Runway shows are ushering in new trends reaching far beyond just clothing and accessories, thanks to the insurgence of backstage beauty coverage gaining almost as much popularity as the shows themselves. Hair and makeup, as seen on models from your favorite shows, are gaining space in the limelight and quickly setting trends for the season. Nails too are no exception, and direct re-iterations of clothing trends have been popping up on fingers and toes everywhere.  

We’ve rounded up our favorite nail trends taken straight from the Spring 2012 runways, and let you know how to get the look with the same shades used backstage:

 

Patterned -Nicole Miller, Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel, Ruffian

These designers opted for bold, patterned looks on the nails of the models sent down the runway. From bright color-blocks to graphic creations, this trend runs the gamut with countless options for your creative pleasures.

Get the look: CND's Raspberry Parfait, Anchor Blue, Bicycle Yellow and Oilslick

Neon- Milly, Karen Walker, Mark Fast, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler

 

The brighter, the better for this colorful trend. Not to mention these cheery shades are ideal for complementing tanned summer skin...just don't forget the SPF!

Get the look: OPI's Monsooner or Later, CND's Electric Orange and Bicycle Yellow, Dashing Diva's Too Much Melon Drama, Perfect Formula's Pollen

 

 

 

Nude - Cushnie et Ochs, VPL, Dean Quinn, DKNY

 

Flesh-tone tips provide a bit of subtle edge while creating a clean, monochrome canvas to let your clothes take the spotlight! Appropriate on nails both long and short, be sure to mix shades to stay true to the trend to find your own personal skin match.

Get the look: CND's Desert Suede and Putty, Dashing Diva's Mr. Right, Butter London's Tea With The Queen, Essie's Brooch The Subject

Glitter - Alexandre Herchovitch, Alexander McQueen, Norman Ambrose

Sequins and sparkle, both small and large make a commanding presence on the catwalk and on the street!     This festive bedazzled look is like a party on your digits and always gives an instant boost in spirits.

Get the look: Minx Hologram strips, Essie's Shine of the Times, CND Air Dry Top Coat with loose white glitter (see photo)

 

 

 

 

 

Soft Pastels - 3.1 Phillip Lim, Monique L'hullier, Zac Posen, Herve Leger

Prim and proper shades are seeing quite the comeback, and make for a perfect pairing with the season's ladylike trend.

Get the look: CND's Guava and Cream Washed, Essie's Demure Vixen and Au Naturel, OPI's Coney Island Cotton Candy

 

 

 

 

French Mani with a Twist - Many designers turned to this look, inserting some edge for a fresh take on the classic.

Jen Kao took an ombre approach, while Odilon by Stacy Clark featured a reverse french mani or moon mani. Taking the moon mani one step further, Pamela Love featured contrasting shades with a V-shaped crest, and Joy Cioci chose clear Lucite tips with a delicate lace pattern for her reincarnation.

Get the look: CND Inkwell, Anchor Blue, and Green Scene, Essie Licorice and Marshmallow

 

3-D Nail Color - OK, so this has yet to be seen on the runway but we’re willing to bet this will be everywhere come the collections debuting this Fall (Dsquared showed a similar sequined look this Spring). This newest innovation from Ciate, consists of small beads of color which are layered over a base of standard nail lacquer; and we’re completely smitten by the futuristic effect. In white, this look is the perfect nod to the precious pearls seen all over the Chanel S/S 2012 show,  and seriously, how can the rainbow shade not remind you of Dippin’ Dots? In the best possible way, of course!

Ciate Caviar Manicure available at Sephora