Nail-icious Met Gala: Your new accessory is at the tip of your fingers.
At this year’s Met Gala, nails emerged as the must-have accessory, stealing the spotlight with an array of looks, from clean minimalism to intricate, show-stopping art. There was no single dominant trend; instead, the event’s blue carpet became a canvas for personal expression and sartorial storytelling. The manicure choices mirrored the red-carpet theme and each celebrity’s ensemble, with creative manicurists turning nails into tiny masterpieces that spoke volumes about style and sophistication.
Celebrity Nail Moments at the 2025 Met Gala
Zendaya’s Ruby Red Coffin Nails
Zendaya complemented her all-white Louis Vuitton suit with bold ruby red coffin nails, delivering a vibrant pop of colour and a modern edge that was impossible to ignore. The manicure added drama and a focal point to her otherwise monochromatic look, perfectly balancing elegance and flair.
Hailey Bieber’s Glazed Donut Nails
Hailey Bieber brought the “clean girl” aesthetic to the next level with her shimmery, glazed donut-inspired nails. The look was subtle yet mesmerising, proving that understated can be just as impactful as bold.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Shimmering Aquamarine Manicure
Lupita Nyong’o’s nails, created by celebrity manicurist Vanessa Sanchez McCullough, dazzled in a shimmering Tiffany blue. Adorned with iridescent mylar, the manicure was described as “a subtle, shimmering form of self-styled opulence” and perfectly matched the shine in her Chanel hat and the event’s theme of innovation and multidimensionality.
Ego Nwodim’s Multicolored Button Manicure
Ego Nwodim’s manicure was a playful nod to the tailoring theme, featuring a multicolored button design that mirrored her Christopher John Rogers ensemble. The whimsical artistry kept the look both cohesive and unforgettable.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Thread-Inspired Nail Art
Sabrina Carpenter’s subtle, thread-inspired nail art beautifully referenced the garment theme without overshadowing her outfit. The delicate detailing was a masterclass in understated creativity, proving that sometimes less is more.
Halle Berry’s Subtle Soap Nails
Halle Berry’s manicurist, Kim Truong, opted for a minimalist approach with pale pink ‘soap nails’. The clean, fresh look let her ensemble do the talking, exemplifying effortless sophistication.
Lisa’s 3D LV-Themed Set
Lisa, known for her maximalist nail styles, debuted a 3D charm-adorned LV-themed set designed by artist Juan Alvear. Inspired by Virgil Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton collection, the manicure’s colour scheme echoed the motifs in her outfit by Henry Taylor, blending high fashion with statement nail art.
Doechii’s Milky White Manicure
Doechii’s modern milky white manicure offered a fresh, minimalist take that stood out for its simplicity and elegance.
Sydney Sweeney’s Celestial Light Pink French
Sydney Sweeney’s celestial light pink French nails added a touch of romance and ethereal charm, a nod to classic femininity with a contemporary twist.
The Manicurists Behind the Magic
Behind every eye-catching nail was a skilled artist using their expertise to bring each vision to life. Vanessa Sanchez McCullough, Zola Ganzorigt, Kim Truong, Juan Alvear, and others elevated nails from mere beauty staples to true works of art, customising each look to suit the celebrity’s personality and the gown’s narrative.
Why Nails Are the New Accessory
Fingertips have become a focal point playing an important role for a complete polished look. This year’s Met Gala proved that manicures are no longer an afterthought. They are conversation starters, mood setters, and trendsetters; integral to the overall look. Whether plain, vibrant, or wildly creative, nails have become the ultimate accessory, transforming hands into the most visible canvas for self-expression at every red carpet event.