New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011: Essie Trend Report

Nails played a high profile role at New York Fashion Week last week with new trends popping up on every runway. "We saw a lot of unusually colorful and bright collections for fall--lots of orange, red, green, and blue fabrics," says Essie Weingarten (yes, the Essie behind the nail polish), who had the opportunity to take note firsthand while she hosted her Essie mini manicure mecca inside the Lincoln Center tents. "In contrast, we're seeing a lot of neutral nails that are made bold through interesting textures." Keep reading for more Fall 2011 nail trends with Essie!

Trend 1: Opaque Nudes

Models at Derek Lam and Rachel Roy sported milky, opaque nudes. At BCBG and Vera Wang, a hint of pink was added to these creamy tones. The look was also very popular at the Essie Pop-Up Salon at Fashion Week, where Essie Sand Tropez was an oft-requested manicure hue. " We have two gorgeous warm opaque nudes and a pretty milky pink in the works for fall that every woman will want to pair with the season's exuberant clothing palette," says Essie.

Trend 2: Gray

Gray continues to evolve. It took center stage at Narciso Rodriguez, where models sported a fresh shimmering slate gray (courtesy of Deborah Lippmann). Nicole Miller opted for matte Gray and Luca Luca showed a griege: where the gray was tempered with yet more nude tones. Essie's favorite gray of all time? Essie Chinchilly, of course!

Trend 3: Black is Always the New Black

The number one most requested nail shade among fashionistas roaming the tents? Black - a modern classic that is always in vogue. Essie Licorice is the perfect black for any season. Dark nails were seen on some runways as well - models at DKNY sported a near black navy for an edgy, rocker-chick look.

Images courtesy of mfdb.com & Essie