NYFW SS2025 Recap: A Season of Minimal Elegance
New York Fashion Week SS2025 was a whirlwind of creativity and style, setting the stage for a season defined by minimal elegance. We had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible lineup of designers—ranging from industry veterans to emerging talents—each bringing a distinct flair to the runway. This season was all about discovery, inspiration, and the power of simplicity. As we look ahead, we're excited to see how this trend of minimal elegance continues to shape the future of fashion.
A Season of Minimal Elegance
SS2025 was the season where less truly became more. The looks we crafted for the runway embraced a minimalist, natural elegance that spoke volumes without saying too much. The focus was on simplicity—well-groomed nails, chic finishes, and an aesthetic that was understated yet striking.
Our approach centered around buff & shine finishes that celebrated the natural beauty of nails. Skin-tone-friendly shades took center stage, offering a subtle sophistication that perfectly complemented the designers' visions. We played with both matte and glossy textures, tailoring the nails to enhance each collection's unique theme.
While nails remained soft and understated, toes were the place to make a statement. Designers opted for bold, daring colors on toenails, creating a striking contrast to the natural nail looks. It was all about cool accents that added depth and interest to the overall styling.
Here's a recap of the designers we worked with during NYFW SS2025:
Proenza Schouler: A Jazzy Departure
Proenza Schouler took a bold step away from the "quiet luxury" trend with their latest collection, embracing an upbeat and playful aesthetic. The collection was a masterclass in wearable luxury, featuring clever cuts, bold colors, luxurious leather, and eye-catching prints. With subtle nods to the resurging prep trend, there was an appealing touch of nostalgia woven into each piece.
For the show, the JINsoon team crafted an edgy toenail look to complement the collection's fun, fringed, low-heeled T-sandals. The combination of sheer pink and dark navy nails added an unexpected chic element, perfectly aligning with the collection's vibrant and daring spirit.
A Collaborative Process
Working with designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez was a rewarding experience. Initially, they leaned toward a palette of reds, sheer pinks, and neutrals. However, as the collection evolved, they pivoted toward a darker, more mysterious nail look. We presented them with two options: Abyss and Beau, both sophisticated dark blue shades. They ultimately chose Abyss, a deep navy, for its effortlessly cool vibe.
The Final Nail Looks
The final looks featured a striking contrast between Muse and Abyss. Muse, a sheer pink, brought a delicate, feminine touch, while Abyss added a bold, dramatic edge. For a cohesive finish, we painted the toenails with Abyss, creating a polished and edgy aesthetic that perfectly echoed Proenza Schouler's SS2025 vision.
Monse: Back-to-School Chic
Monse's SS2025 collection delivered a playful, youthful twist on classic American sportswear, and JINsoon's nail art was the perfect finishing touch to enhance this nostalgic yet modern aesthetic. Our collaboration showcased the versatility and artistry of our products, aligning seamlessly with Monse's signature style while adding an extra layer of modern sophistication.
Designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia envisioned a collection that embodied a "back-to-school" vibe with Monse's signature twist. We worked closely with them to create nail looks that not only resonated with the collection’s theme but also amplified the brand's unique style.
A Collaborative Process
Given the collection's dynamic color palette, we aimed to provide a variety of nail options that would suit every look. Initially, the designers wanted neutral shades that would flatter different skin tones. After experimenting with several options, they ultimately selected JINsoon Demure—a versatile neutral shade that was both flattering and effortlessly chic.
The Final Nail Looks
Together with Monse, we developed three distinct nail styles to complement the collection:
Demure: This classic, neutral nail look harmonized perfectly with the collection's playful and youthful aesthetic. Its understated elegance made it a versatile choice that complemented a wide range of outfits.
Bliss: A sheer pastel nail look added a touch of youthful sophistication. This style infused a soft, delicate element into the overall look, balancing the collection’s spirited vibe.
Nifty: For an added touch of glamour, we created a sequin-embellished nail look. This eye-catching style was ideal for the collection's evening dresses, introducing a hint of sparkle that elevated the overall ensemble.
This collaboration with Monse was a testament to the power of nail art in fashion, showing how a well-executed manicure can elevate and complete a designer’s vision.
Jason Wu: Diaphanous and Breezy, Graphic and Raw
Jason Wu's SS2025 collection was a delicate dance of diaphanous fabrics and graphic elements, drawing inspiration from Chinese artist Tong Yang-Tze's bold calligraphy. Wu aimed to translate the airy, gestural quality of Tong's work into a nail look that would seamlessly complement his designs.
Wu envisioned nails that echoed the texture and elegance of porcelain, resonating with the intricate details found in his collection. Our team at JINsoon collaborated closely with him to bring this vision to life, crafting a nail look that embodied the porcelain-inspired aesthetic.
A Collaborative Process
To achieve the desired porcelain effect, we experimented with various combinations before presenting Wu with the perfect formula: JINsoon Doux and Prim layered with the Matte Maker matte top coat. This combination resulted in a soft, matte finish that beautifully mimicked the look of porcelain.
The Final Nail Looks
For the majority of the models, we used the Doux + Prim + Matte Maker combination to create a porcelain-like nail look that exuded understated elegance. However, for models with darker skin tones, we opted for a Buff & Shine approach. This created a polished appearance that contrasted strikingly with the matte finish, offering a fresh perspective on the collection's ethereal vibe.
For the toenails, we used a coat of JINsoon Matte Maker matte top coat over well-buffed nails, ensuring a cohesive and refined look. The final result was a collection of nail styles that perfectly captured the diaphanous and breezy essence of Jason Wu's vision, adding a graphic yet raw touch to the overall presentation.
Tommy Hilfiger: Buff & Shine
Our collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger showcased the versatility and artistry of our products, perfectly complementing the brand's nautical-inspired aesthetic.
Tommy Hilfiger's SS2025 collection featured a classic American prep wardrobe, inspired by sailing heritage and casual coastal styles. To complement the collection's overall theme, we worked closely with the designer to develop nail looks that were both stylish and functional.
A Collaborative Process
Our knowledge of Tommy Hilfiger's signature style allowed us to anticipate the designer's preferences. We presented him with options that aligned with the collection's nautical-inspired theme, ultimately selecting Buff & Shine for both the nails and toes.
The Final Nail Looks
Given the collection's emphasis on everyday functionality, we opted for a simple yet polished nail look: Buff & Shine. This treatment provided a clean, well-groomed appearance that perfectly complemented the collection's casual and relaxed vibe.
Toteme: Minimalist Elegance
Founded in New York in 2014, Toteme has built a reputation for its luxurious and chic designs, becoming a beacon of minimalist style. Making a triumphant return to the runway this season, the brand stayed true to its roots with a collection that exuded effortless sophistication. To complement this theme, we collaborated closely with the designers to craft nail looks that seamlessly aligned with Toteme's signature aesthetic.
A Collaborative Process
Creating the perfect nail look for Toteme was an exciting, collaborative journey. From the outset, the designers envisioned clean, minimalist nails paired with bold toe colors—a statement that would subtly enhance the collection's overall vibe. We dove into this vision, presenting an array of nail options that could capture that effortlessly chic essence. After rounds of brainstorming and refinement, we landed on a look that perfectly embodied Toteme's aesthetic: polished yet understated, with a hint of daring on the toes.
The Final Nail Looks
For the fingernails, we opted for the JINsoon Effortless Buffer & Shiner. This treatment delivered a healthy, natural glow, echoing Toteme's minimalist elegance without stealing the spotlight. It was all about enhancing the models' natural beauty in a way that felt in harmony with the brand's ethos.
When it came to the toes, we decided to inject a touch of boldness. Using a curated mix of JINsoon Absolute Black, Coquette, and HyperRepair, we tailored the shades to each model's skin tone and outfit. The result was a striking contrast against the clean, buffed nails—an unexpected twist that added depth to the overall look.
Michael Kors SS2025: Mediterranean Romance
Michael Kors' SS2025 collection was a masterclass in Mediterranean romance, weaving together laid-back luxury with touches of rustic opulence. To complement this sun-soaked aesthetic, we collaborated closely with the designer to create nail looks that resonated with his vision, perfectly capturing the collection's effortless yet refined charm.
A Collaborative Process
From the very start, this was a deeply collaborative process. Michael Kors envisioned nail looks that were both subtle and impactful—skin-tone-appropriate shades that would echo the Mediterranean vibe while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the collection. We explored various options, experimenting with shades that could seamlessly blend with the collection's earthy palette. After rounds of testing and refinement, we arrived at three final shades that embodied the essence of Michael Kors' SS2025 vision.
The Final Nail Looks: Matching Nails and Toes
To maintain a cohesive and polished look, we chose to match nail and toe colors—a decision that added a subtle sophistication to each ensemble. Every shade was carefully selected to complement the models' diverse skin tones, ensuring that the nails enhanced rather than overpowered the collection's aesthetic.
Here's how the final shades played out:
Toff: A deep, dark chocolate color, Toff was our choice for super dark skin tones. Its rich, luxurious hue added depth and contrast, embodying the rustic opulence that defined the collection.
Earth Clay: This medium-dark shade was a perfect nod to the collection's earthy tones. It offered a grounded, warm complement to the garments, enhancing the natural beauty of medium to dark skin tones.
Whisper: A sheer jelly pink, this shade was tailored for pale to medium skin tones. Its soft, translucent finish provided just the right touch of elegance, evoking the delicate hues of a Mediterranean dawn.
