SESSIONSPOTLIGHT

SESSION Insiders

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a session nail stylist? Fashion Week pros share the realities of the role, their highlights & top tips

REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

Photo by Olivia Bokesch (@absolutelyolivia)

September saw spring/summer 2027 collections showcased at fashion events across the globe, and may have sparked interest in session nail styling as a career move. Working alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty, and showcasing your skills on a huge stage, certainly sounds attractive – but what does it take to break into this field and find success? We’ve quizzed Fashion Week nail techs to find out...

GIORGIA CAPPELLA

Giorgia is head of product and education at The GelBottle Inc, and was lead nail artist for Bibhu Mohapatra’s New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2027 show.

@bygiorgia_

How did you come to work at New York Fashion Week ?

“The team working for design house, Bibhu Mohapatra, contacted me and The GelBottle Inc (TGB) founder, Daisy Kalnina, to explore whether the brand would sponsor the nails for its SS27 show. We’re lucky that there are incredible TGB educators in the USA with session experience, so we reached out to them, plus some TGB Insiders.

“While confirming our pros, we worked closely with Bibhu’s team to understand the collection and creative direction for nails. We pulled together potential shades, finishes and designs that would complement the looks, and arranged for products to be shipped to the US.

“Ahead of the show, I had the opportunity to visit the Bibhu Mohapatra store in Tribeca for a styling session. There, I met Bibhu, his stylists and the wider team, and saw the clothing and accessories up close. One thing that Bibhu said to me which stuck was: ‘The more whimsy, the better.’ He didn’t want the nails to match the outfits exactly; he wanted contrasting colours and finishes that complemented the looks in an unexpected way, so he gave us creative freedom. I selected details in the fabrics, embellishments and colours to use as inspiration.

Photo by Alan Sanon (@alanflicks)

“The final line-up wasn’t sent until the night before the show, which is when I mapped out the nail looks against each model. Some wore two outfits, so it was important for their nail designs to work with both. On show day, we had around two hours to get the models’ nails ready.”

What were the best and most challenging moments?

“The biggest challenge was the pressure I put on myself. Looking back, there wasn’t anything to worry about, as I had an incredible team and loved every second. Seeing so many talented people work towards the same vision, under time pressure, gave me a new appreciation for the work that goes on behind-the-scenes at Fashion Week.

“Seeing the models walk the runway wearing the looks we’d worked so hard on was one of the most surreal and proudest moments of my career.”

What might nail techs not realise about session styling?

“How last-minute things can be! I like having everything organised well in advance, but I quickly learned that Fashion Week doesn’t work like that. For the Bibhu Mohapatra show, we were given the collection colours two weeks before the show, however we didn’t find out which models were wearing which outfits until the evening before. It taught me that session styling is as much about being adaptable and thinking on your feet as it is about nail artistry. You can prepare as much as possible, but you must be ready for things to change at short notice.”

YULIIA KOVALCHUK

Yuliia is a New York-based fashion and editorial nail artist, and was a North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) Season 2 – Top 3 contestant.

@kovasnailart

How did you get into session styling?

“After taking part in many nail competitions, I wanted to move beyond this into session styling. I have often imagined the nail looks I would create for fashion shoots, and love that in session work, nails are part of a larger creative story. I have created styles for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, as well as for Fashion Week shows. In September, I was lead nail artist for Victor de Souza’s spring/summer 2027 New York Fashion Week showcase, assembling my own team, Kova Nails Art.”

What qualities should a session stylist possess?

“One of the most important qualities is the ability to work as part of a team. Teamwork is not a limitation on creative freedom, but an opportunity to produce a result that cannot be achieved alone. You need to be able to listen to other professionals, understand the requirements, interact with stylists, make-up artists and the hair team, and make quick decisions. At a show or shoot, the situation can change within a few minutes, and you need to find solutions while staying calm and not compromising the results.”

What might nail techs not realise about session styling?

“Behind the beautiful photographs and runway shows lies a huge amount of preparation, teamwork and organisation. However, even thorough planning does not guarantee a smooth run, so you must be able to cope with last-minute changes.

“A good example is my team’s preparation for the Victor de Souza SS27 show. Initially, we created designs for 30 models, but four days before the show, I learned that the number of models had increased to 46 – meaning we needed to develop another 16 sets. I immediately organised a video call with the nail artists – who were in different states, so we could discuss the additional designs and divide tasks.”

Do you have a standout session styling memory?

“My recent work for Victor de Souza, because I was not only a nail artist, but a leader. I invited my students to join the team: Oksana Viriutina, Halyna Kaliugina, Olena Fedorchenko and Ariana Nevoienna and Iryna Shemet, who also assisted me backstage. These choices were not random; I trust each professional and know their strengths. I am most proud that I was able to help my students grow from competition nail artists into professionals whose work featured at New York Fashion Week.

“Reptile motifs formed the basis of the creative brief, and our task was to create nails that would complement Victor de Souza’s collection aesthetic, using almond and oval shapes, a nude base and ombré effects. I wanted to explore the reptile theme through different techniques – from hand-painting and magnetic effects to dimensional 3D textures.”

What advice would you give to aspiring session stylists?

“Study fashion, art and photography, and develop your own artistic vision. Reach out to photographers, stylists and make-up artists with proposals to collaborate. Even small creative shoots will build your portfolio and give you experience working as part of a team. Also, do not be afraid to experiment with materials, techniques and shapes.”

Photos by Andrii Kovalchuk

YUKIE NATORI

Yukie is the founder of Yukie Natori New York Salon & Spa, and its team is often called upon to create nail looks for New York Fashion Week .

@yukiebeautyspa

What makes a cohesive Fashion Week team?

“Trust, communication and a shared understanding of the creative vision. As a team, our work begins long before we arrive backstage. We usually receive inspiration or a mood board from the designer, and from there, I think about how that can be translated through nails. I share my interpretation and visual direction with the Yukie team, and together we develop several design concepts to present.

“I don’t believe a strong team is simply a group of talented nail artists; everyone needs to understand the same visual language, while bringing their own techniques, sensitivity and creativity.

“Backstage, everything moves quickly. Schedules shift and hair, make-up, styling and nail teams all work around one another. This is when trust becomes especially important. Everyone needs to understand their own roles, but also be ready to support the team where needed. A group of people working towards the same goal creates an incredible energy.”

What might nail techs not realise about session styling?

“I think one of the biggest surprises is how different session and salon work are. In the salon, you have time to focus on a client and perfect every detail, whereas backstage, nails are one element within a larger story. You must consider the clothes, accessories, hair, make-up, lighting and how the nails will appear in photography and film.

“You must also keep up-to-date with products and techniques, as fashion and nail trends evolve quickly. For example, at LaQuan Smith’s spring/summer 2027 New York Fashion Week show, I asked the team to incorporate KOKOIST Crystal Glass Veil Powder to create a wet-looking and glass-like shine, on top of clear tips with a reverse French effect. This is a very modern technique that we are seeing a lot in the nail industry.

“It’s important to acknowledge that session work allows very little room for compromise. A runway show may last only a few minutes, but the photographs and videos remain – and may become part of how a season’s beauty trends are remembered. This is why standards need to be maintained and decisions made confidently, even under pressure.”

Do you have a standout session styling memory?

“My work with LaQuan Smith is very special to me, because our relationship goes back 10 years. When the Yukie team first began working on his shows, runway nails were generally much simpler and not given the same attention as today. However, LaQuan treated them as an important element of his creative vision, and I remember being moved by that.

“This taught me something important: when a designer cares deeply about every detail, session nail stylists must respond with the same level of commitment and honour their vision completely and respectfully. This includes the use of high-quality products – there can be no shortcuts.”

What advice would you give to aspiring session stylists?

“Build on your professional foundations. Fashion Week can look glamorous from the outside, however backstage there is no time to struggle with basic technique. Speed matters, but speed without quality is not enough. For example, at Anna Sui shows, the brand’s seasonal nail colours are often the focus. To make them look their best, we ensure that nail preparation is immaculate.

“To work at Fashion Week, you cannot only understand nails; you must understand fashion. Looking at all elements – from the clothes to the make-up, you must judge what the nails should contribute to the story. When creating looks for the Altuzarra brand, we know that the nail direction needs to be understated, allowing the history, culture and refinement of the clothing to shine. This is why for its spring/summer 2027 show, we selected natural CHANEL shades to make models’ hands look polished and quietly luxurious.”

Photos courtesy of Yukie Natori New York

EMILIJA DIMOVSKI

Emilija is a London-based fashion and editorial nail stylist. She led the nail team at Richard Quinn’s spring/summer 2027 London Fashion Week show using Mii nail products.

@e_beautyroom_emilijadimovski

How did you get into session styling?

“Working backstage at Fashion Week had been a dream since my teenage years. I was always fascinated by fashion and imagined what it would be like to work behind-the-scenes at shows, helping bring designers’ visions to life. I didn’t think that dream would come true in my early forties.

“I originally worked at fashion shows and on photo shoots in my home country of North Macedonia, but I always hoped to experience London Fashion Week. This was made possible by my friend and session make-up artist, Elizabeth. She suggested I contact session manicurist & educator, Sammy MacDonald (@nailsbysammymac), and because of this, I joined her nail team for Emilia Wickstead’s spring/summer 2024 show.

“We manicured models, finishing with a dark nail polish, while toes required a French finish. It was my first real experience of the pace and pressure of Fashion Week, and I quickly learned how important it is to work quickly and precisely. I will always be grateful to Sammy for giving me that opportunity and others in following seasons. This opened the door to a new world, and I was hooked.”

What qualities should a session stylist possess?

“Creativity, adaptability, professionalism and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Session styling is very different to salon work, because you are part of a large creative production. You must be organised, efficient and able to make quick decisions without losing focus.

“You need to understand a designer’s vision and translate it onto nails, while bringing your creativity and technical knowledge. Attention to detail is important, as every nail look must be aesthetically pleasing and consistent.

“Attitude matters just as much as technical ability. Being respectful, reliable and easy to work with makes a huge difference. In this industry, people remember not only your work, but how you make them feel.”

What might nail techs not realise about session styling?

“It isn’t simply about creating beautiful nails; it’s about understanding how your work fits into a bigger creative story. This is why session styling is about collaboration, rather than individual recognition. You must listen, communicate and support the people around you. Everyone has a role to play, and the final result comes from those individual contributions working together.

Photo by Henry H Hu (@henryhhu) and Mii Cosmetics

“Fashion Week days can start early and involve long hours, last-minute changes and the challenge of preparing numerous models within a limited time. You need to be able to adapt, without letting pressure affect your work.”

Photo by Henry H Hu (@henryhhu)

Photo by Henry H Hu (@henryhhu)

Photo by Luke Russell (@luke.atmycontent)

Do you have a standout session styling memory?

“One of my most memorable experiences was my first Richard Quinn show – for London Fashion Week autumn/winter 2024. Everything felt extraordinary, and I was proud to be part of such a beautiful production. Backstage, the atmosphere was a different story. The atmosphere was exciting but intense and there were only two of us tending to the nails. It taught me to trust my skills, stay organised and find my focus – even when everything around me is moving at speed.”

What advice would you give to aspiring session stylists?

“Build your experience – and don’t wait for the biggest fashion show or perfect opportunity. Assist established nail artists and get involved in photo shoots, as you never know what might be a turning point for your career. Be professional, reliable, positive and willing to learn, because relationships matter and your reputation can open doors.

“Showcase a variety of styles and editorial work in your portfolio, and communicate the type of work you want to be known for on social media. Also, develop your technical skills and practice working quickly, thinking creatively and adapting to briefs.

“Most importantly, don’t be discouraged if your journey takes time. My own experience has taught me that it’s never too late to pursue a dream.”