The 15 Best Met Gala 2023 Nail Art Looks
David Edwards
Updated on March 19, 2026
And just like that, 2023’s Met Gala Monday is fashion history.
This year’s theme? Well, the most beloved faces in the industry arrived on the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to honor the late fashion great, with the artistic direction à la “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” And while all eyes were obviously on the dreamy couture ensembles and endlessly glamorous hair and makeup moments — manicures were the understated hero of the red carpet (and truly just as much works of art as any painstakingly detailed ensemble).
Considering Lagerfeld is closely linked to his time with Chanel, leading makeup artists were sure that the glam looks would go back to the basics, with a more minimal approach to beauty. What’re more, the timeless “quiet luxury” approach to the looks most definitely translated to the night’s nail art, with on-trend neutrals, nostalgic reds, and glossy sheer pinks taking centerstage.
In need of some nail art inspiration to take you through the spring and summer months? Here are best manicure moments from the 2023 Met Gala, from oh so subtle to seriously stunning.
1
Rihanna’s 3D Flowers
Arriving (and thereafter shutting down) the 2023 Met Gala, Rihanna went for an high-shine lip gloss manicure adorned with some 3D camellia flowers thanks to nail artist Maria Salandra.
2
Emily Ratajkowski’s Micro French
3
Dua Lipa’s Bridal Vanilla French
4
Whitney Peak’s Hidden Pearls
Created by Betina Goldstein using Chanel lacquers, each one of Whitney Peak’s neutral nails featured a hidden peekaboo pearl underneath.
5
Kim Kardashian’s Barely-There Nails
6
Olivia Rodrigo’s Shiny Black Press-Ons
7
Sydney Sweeney’s Glittering Set
8
Lily James’ “Red Theory” Manicure
Though a bit difficult to spot beneath her sheer gloves, James tapped Betina Goldstein to paint on a nostalgic red hue for her Met Gala manicure.
9
Jennifer Lopez’s Ode To Chanel
10
Cardi B’s High-Shine Set
Painted by Cardi B’s go-to manicurist Jenny Bui, the duo opted for some ultra-glossy nails thanks to Aprés Nail.
11
Emma Chamberlain’s Milky Mani
12
Madelyn Cline’s Studded Glazed Donut Nails
Created by Zola Ganzorigt using all things OPI, Cline opted for classic glazed donuts tips and a decorated nail with a fleur de lis decal (to honor Lagerfeld’s tie charm).
13
Margot Robbie’s Minimal French Moment
A true classic beauty, Tom Bachik went with an understated French mani using essie shades.
14
Jessica Chastain’s Colorful Gems
Using a sheer pink The GelBottle Inc lacquer, Julie Kandalec decorated Chastain’s tips with some abstractly placed gemstones.
15
Yara Shahidi’s Chocolate Stilettos
Shahidi looked like a work of art, with minimally neutral nails painted by Mo Qin in a milk chocolate hue.
