Nails, though often the smallest detail, can elevate any fashion or beauty look. This was proven once again at the 2024 Met Gala.

The dress code, "Garden of Time," and the theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," inspired celebrities and their nail artists to create stunning manicures that showcased their creativity and their own interpretations.

Vogue reported that the theme was divided into subthemes: land, sea, and sky. This year's dress code also drew inspiration from J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story, "The Garden of Time."

In this story, Count Axel and his wife live in a utopian villa with a garden of crystalline flowers, featuring translucent leaves, glass-like stems, and a crystal heart.

These imaginative elements were beautifully reflected in the celebrities' looks. Here are some standout nail designs from the biggest fashion event of the year.

1. Emma Chamberlain's Met Gala nails by Thuy Nguyen

Emma Chamberlain's nails seamlessly complemented her dress, with lace details on her manicure mirroring those on her gown. Thuy Nguyen, her nail artist, created this cohesive look with a nude base color that matched Chamberlain's skin tone, making her appear like a thorn wall in a garden and perfectly capturing the event's theme.

Nguyen shared on Instagram that she collaborated with Chamberlain's stylist, Jared Ellner, to use the same lace from the dress for the nails. They chose Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in Taupe Priority for the base color. After setting the lace on the base with glue, Nguyen applied the Miracle Gel Top Coat to maintain the lace texture. A second layer of the top coat was added after five minutes to smooth the edges.

2. Gigi Hadid's Met Gala nails by Mei Kawajiri

Gigi Hadid embraced a Belle-inspired look at the Met Gala, with a yellow rose that beautifully complemented her white gown detailed with yellow roses and green vines. This choice perfectly aligned with the event's dress code, resembling a vibrant rose in a garden.

According to an Instagram post by Mei Kawajiri, Hadid's nail artist, the Met Gala nails were designed to be playful and classic, just like the model herself. They featured hand-sculpted 3D roses and a perfect French base using Nailboo's Gel Polish in Nail-Flex & Chill and Here's A Tip in yellow tones.

3. Cynthia Erivo's Met Gala nails by Rose Hackle

If there were an award for the best nails at the Met Gala, Cynthia Erivo would undoubtedly take the prize. Her "Garden of Time" nails, crafted by Rose Hackle, perfectly embodied the theme with their long, stiletto-shaped design. The brown base mimicked soil, while green plants added a lush garden feel. It was like having an entire botanical display at her fingertips.

Sharing the process on Instagram, her nail artist described how they redefined the concept of "Garden of Time" using OPI products. They began by applying an acrylic base and integrating natural earth elements directly onto the nails. Dried beetles and succulents adorned two nails, while rose petals with gold flakes adorned the others.

4. Sabrina Carpenter's Met Gala nails by Zola Ganzorigt

Baby blue seems to be Sabrina Carpenter's signature color. Her nails, adorned with simple yet elegant studs against a baby blue backdrop, beautifully complemented her mermaid dress, which resembled a blue flower matching the color of her eyes.

Her nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, explained on Instagram that they opted for a blue manicure to enhance her Oscar de la Renta gown and settled on this frosty blue design with shiny rhinestones.

5. Troye Sivan's Met Gala nails by Mei Kawajiri

Completing the lineup is Troye Sivan's nail art, which took inspiration from a midnight starry sky (sky being a subtheme of the event), crafted by Kawajiri. This celestial design added a magical element to Sivan's overall look, featuring a combination of black on the sides and a shimmering blue center.

His nail artist specifically highlighted on her Instagram post that the manicure was crafted using all Manucurist products. These included the Licorice Green Flash LED Gel Polish and Lilas Green Flash LED Gel Polish for the base colors, with the Active Shine polish applied as a top coat for a glossy finish. The final touch was the application of Huile Verte cuticle oil, ensuring not just a stunning appearance but also proper nail care and shine.