Fresh Sets: Contemporary Nail Art from Around the World

Polish up on the latest nail art styles with this globe-spanning book that collects the work of some of today’s most creative manicurists.

Getting a fresh set of nails means different things for every customer, but these days, it’s a form of self-expression like no other--and the styles continue to evolve.

This book travels the world to put today’s most inspired nail art at your fingertips. It features profiles of 35 professionals who are carving out a name for themselves on the streets of cities like New York, LA, Vancouver, London, Berlin, Paris, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Punjab, Melbourne/Naarm, and more.

New York magazine writer and beauty expert Tembe Denton-Hurst describes each nail tech, discussing their process, aesthetic, and biggest inspirations, accompanied by photos of their work and firsthand commentary. Her engaging introduction sets the tone, mapping the rich, long history of nail art; there’s also a glossary of terms to help readers understand the variety of techniques that are used.

From kawaii street style to Mexican folk art, chic runway looks to over-the-top 3D sculpture, glimmering gems, slimy insects, hand-painted dreamy moonscapes, and more, Fresh Sets celebrates diversity, individuality, and the limitless possibilities for making a bold statement on a tiny canvas.

TEMBE DENTON-HURST is a staff writer at New York magazine’s The Strategist and the author of the novel Homebodies. She lives in Queens, New York.