As we’ve come to know it, trends, especially fashion trends, aren’t always attractive or even logical, yet somehow society follows them anyway.
One brand that keeps testing our patience is Balenciaga, serving up outfits that look like thrift shop rejects but still end up flaunted by celebrities as if they’re the second coming of couture. And now, right on cue, another questionable style is clawing its way into the spotlight.
The latest “must-have” to leave us raising eyebrows is the Tabi shoe. Yes, those split-toe designs from Maison Margiela that make it look like you’ve got half-human, half-animal hooves from the waist down.
Cringe? Absolutely. But these shoes have become a status symbol, flaunted everywhere, even in Mzansi.
But of course, in today’s world, one weird trend is never enough. The Tabi shoe has now leapt off people’s feet and onto their fingernails. The internet has blessed (or cursed) us with the Tabi manicure.
This all started with Molly Jones, an Australian manicurist who received a rather unique request from a client. Instead of saying no, Jones turned it into an artistic challenge, creating what she calls a “more wearable” version of the Tabi.
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Using Aprés Gel X tips (nail extensions made of clear, durable plastic), Molly shaped them into a ballerina form.
Then came the details, a cream French polish, a delicate bow made with thickened gel, and the pièce de résistance, a split down the middle using a needle-nose drill bit, perfectly mimicking the hoof-like gap of the Tabi shoe.
She explained to Vogue, “I did it slightly off center to mimic the big toe split on the shoes.” And just like that, a viral manicure trend was born.
If you’re “fashion forward” enough to try Tabi nails, remember they’re not your everyday manicure. Inspired by Japan’s iconic split-toe socks and shoes, the design is avant-garde and strictly for the fashion-forward.
Nail artist Ramon Duran suggests medium-length, rounded or oval nails for the best look, since the extra space lets the “hoof” effect shine. You can do them short, but the impact is far stronger with a little length.
Colour choice is key. Neutrals like cream, beige, soft pink, or nude make the split pop, while monochrome whites and soft greys give a chic, minimalist edge.
For a statement, deep red, navy, emerald, or black creates drama, and metallics or chrome shades like gold, silver, or holographic finishes add a futuristic runway vibe.
The manicure has picked up traction, proving that when it comes to trends, the weirder, the better.
