The beauty element of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 is still quite similar to a decade ago: bombshell hair, soft makeup and an effortless vibe. However, when it comes to manicures we’ve seen more of an evolution. While there have historically been extra-long nails, yes, there were also many short and midi versions in natural colours with a soap effect like Ashley Graham’s minimalist manicure.

Last year – when the show was back after a decade’s hiatus, in the words of its director, Margot Bowman, “I see this as an opportunity to create a new set of images that more people can find themselves in.” And that certainly comes through in the VS manicures, with Japanese manicures previously being the big trend before being replaced by midi soap nails, 2025’s biggest trend.

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This year, those polished nails that enhance their natural shine have evolved into one of the big trends for autumn 2025: midi nails, mid-length, in natural soap (or silk) effect shades and in some cases pearlescent versions that remind us, to some extent, of the polishes our grandmothers used to wear.

It’s all coming back. And in the same way that the Y2K aesthetic that characterised this fashion show in the 2000s is still very present, the nails of the moment have also had their place.

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