Peep the 9 Nail Looks from Grace Ling’s SS26 Runway Show

OPI Global Ambassador, Coca Michelle created nine (that’s right, NINE!) nail looks for Grace Ling’s SS26 Runway Show. Ling’s latest collection “Future Relics,” incorporated technology throughout the designs juxtaposed with elements from the past — like knives, lots of knives — as if rediscovered in the distant future. Blending the archaic with the futuristic, Coca Michelle brought this to life with the nail looks featuring lynx claws, pierced nails, dangling metals and more.

Very goth, very of the moment.

Coca Michelle tells The Tease, “With nine nail looks, this is the most looks I’ve done yet for NYFW. From pierced details to the nails that are reminiscent of glass, every nail look was thoughtfully crafted.” The nails themselves become future relics. Read on for a breakdown on each set!

Look 1: Pierced Bone

1. Start by applying a mix of OPI GelColor in “Blinded By The Ring Light,” “Black Onyx,” and “Alpine Snow” to create the nail color.
2. Finish with OPI GelColor Super Matte Top Coat to give the nail a matte effect. 
3. Add metal details to complete the look.

Look 2: Green Glass Lynx Claw

1. Mix together OPI GelColor in “AmazON…AmazOFF” with clear 4-in-1 Builder Gel.  
2. Add builder gel until the color becomes a seafoam green, giving a glass-like effect. 

Look 3: Burgundy Stilettos

1. Start by mixing OPI GelColor in “Amore At The Grand Canal” with “Baby Tee-l” and apply to the nail.  
2. Layer with “Black Onyx” to deepen the color, achieving a custom deep burgundy shade. 

Look 4: Encapsulated Nails & Bolts

1. Add the translucent OPI GELevate 4 in 1 Builder Gel to the nail.
2. Place metals on nails as desired. 
3. Layer with the OPI GELevate 4 in 1 Builder Gel to encapsulate the nails and bolts.

Look 5: Chrome Tears

1. Combine OPI GELement in “No-Wipe Top Coat” with a small drop of OPI GelColor in “Black Onyx.”
2. Apply chrome to give the nail a futuristic effect. 
3. Add a small hole toward the tip of the nail and apply a metal chain through the center. 

Look 6: Chrome Sword Set

1. Start by applying OPI GelColor in “Black Onyx.”
2. Add chrome over the nail to create a mirror-like, futuristic effect.
3. To create the chrome sword applied to the pinky finger, sculpt and shape using OPI GELevate, and follow by applying steps 1-2 to create the same futuristic effect.

Look 7: Double Lynx Claw

1. Combine OPI GelColor in “Alpine Snow” and “Blinded By The Ring Light” and apply to the nail. 
2. Continue adding as desired until a milky cream shade is achieved.
3. To create the lynx claws, use a nail drill to shape into the desired look. 

Look 8: Transparent Double Lynx Claw

1. Start with OPI GelColor in “Alpine Snow.”
2. Slowly add in OPI GELevate 4-in-1 Builder Gel with an ombre brush to feed color downward.
3. Continue adding building gel until desired color is achieved.

Look 9: Funny Bunny Hinge

1. Start by combining OPI GelColor in “Funny Bunny” with “Alpine Snow” 
2. Apply chrome to the nail tips to achieve the french chrome look.
3. Place metal detailing onto the lower-center of the nails to add dimension.

If you get inspired to recreate any of these runway sets for your next client, or for yourself, we want to see it. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.