Whether it’s ballet slipper tones or maximalist glittered designs, we can trust London Fashion Week to serve up a generous offering of seasonal manicure inspiration. From barely there tones to detailed tips that could give Elle Fanning’s 2019 Met Gala mani a run for its money (if you know you know), spring/summer 2024 was fully stocked with nail designs that won’t take hours and hours to recreate at home. This season’s go-to? An elevated take on classic ombré nails.
Ashish led the charge with an array of gradient manicures – think chrome finishes, iridescent overlays and buckets of sparkle to tie in with the shimmering looks on show.
‘The inspiration for the show’s nail looks was drawn directly from Ashish’s collection,’ says Edyta Betka, the nail artist for the spring/summer 2024 show. ‘With a blend of styles spanning from the Seventies to hipster to punk, my goal was to craft nail designs that complemented this diverse range. The aim was to provide a cohesive finishing touch not only to the collection but also to the overall hair and makeup looks.’
At Chet Lo, models sported translucent talons in a sharp lipstick cut. While the shape is a bit advanced – not to mention hazardous – for our own casual manis, the monochromatic primary hues are going to go straight on our moodboard. Diffused French tips in sheer jelly tones? Sign. Us. Up.
At Ahluwalia, nail artist Simone Cummings opted for complimentary ocean and sunset hues, which were left visibly unblended as opposed to the traditional even gradient. ‘I wanted the nails to look elegant and fit within how the whole look would come together,’ she told ELLE UK.
What ties all of these statement nail looks together, is, of course, that the designs are an elevation of the traditionally simple ombré manicure: whether it be in shape, tone or finish.
‘Ombré nails are pretty simple yet highly effective nail designs,’ Betka explains. ‘What I love about them is their versatility – they can easily be taken to the next level. This can be achieved through clever colour pairings, the introduction of delicate iridescent powders, the use of chrome powder for a metallic edge, or by decorating them with tiny gemstones. These elements can work their magic, transforming a basic ombré into a nail masterpiece that effortlessly catches the eye.’
If you’re thinking about trialling the look yourself, Betka has some pro tips for finding complimentary shades that work best.
‘Colours that are similar to each other on the colour spectrum are the easiest to blend when creating an ombré look. They naturally transition into one another and create a soft, subtle gradient effect,’ she says. ‘So, if you’re looking for a seamless and effortless ombré, sticking to similar colours is a fantastic choice (for example yellow and orange, pink and purple). Ultimately, the best colours for an ombre look depend on your style, occasion, and the message you want your nails to express. Experimenting with various colour combinations can help you discover what works best for you.’
