Have You Heard of the Negative Space Nail Trend? These Pics Prove It's a Must-Try
Like the cycle of life, as the nail art trend lives on, cool new designs are born—you know, just to keep things interesting. From wraps to intricate 3D decals, these days the mani-obsessed can exalt in the fact that new art ideas are surfacing every day. And beauty's latest brainchild is bringing something fun into the mix.
The trend has been named "negative space." Sound familiar? Yes, fellow art enthusiasts, that's because negative space is a well-known technique in which the blank part in a piece of artwork contributes to the overall composition—and often makes it more compelling.
Talented artists themselves, pro nail technicians translated the concept onto models' hands during Fashion Week this year, topping our list of favorite mani ideas to try. All it takes is one glimpse at these 10 looks to understand why we're crushing on the trend, so click on through and join the club!
Photo: Courtesy of Zoya1/11Sometimes no polish is the best way to look polished.
Photo: Courtesy of CND2/111. Chain of Command
This edgy creation seen backstage at The Blonds’ fall show blends a clear base with a cool, textured chain effect on top. Um, Rihanna, we think we just found your next manicure idea…
Photo: Courtesy of Essie3/115. Graphic Edge
Eyeing the nails at Emerson's fall show, it almost felt like we were looking through a kaleidoscope. How cool is that?
Photo: Courtesy of Sally Hansen4/112. Linear Equations
For the faint of heart: This look spotted backstage at Misha Nonoo's spring show is an example of negative space in its simplest form. Just one stripe revealing your bare nail color between your favorite solid polish color is super-chic!
Photo: Courtesy of Essie5/114. Coral Crescents
Give your half-moons a pop of color like models at Delpozo's spring show. It'll make for a fun surprise.
Photo: Courtesy of Sally Hansen6/113. Scribbled In
If you're into decking out an accent nail (or two), try this idea seen backstage at Prabal Gurung's spring show. Neutral nails go a long way with a splash of pastel sketched in between.
Photo: Courtesy of Butter London7/116. Fade Away
This half-nude paint job made us do a double-take back at the ICB by Prabal Gurung spring show. The trick: paint a quarter of your nail bed with color and wipe it away with a dry makeup brush for a swept-away effect.
Photo: Courtesy of Zoya8/118. Color Block
Break up a solid mani with a thick band of negative space like artists did at Creatures of Comfort for spring. It'll be your mani's version of a crop top!
Photo: Courtesy of Butter London9/117. Gilded French
Update a traditional French manicure by dipping your tips in gold polish. Give your half-moons the same treatment for double the pretty as seen at Tadashi Shoji's fall show.
Photo: Courtesy of Zoya10/119. Clear Cut
Put your half-moons on display like models at the Creatures of Comfort spring show by only applying polish from the top of your cuticles, upward. (Just be sure to keep them moisturized and well-groomed!)
Photo: Courtesy of Zoya11/1110. Moon Shine
Give your nails a side-swipe of metallic polish for the crescent moon effect seen at the Zimmerman spring show.
