One of the biggest beauty talking points from Prada’s Spring and Summer 2027 show may have been on the front row.
Naomi Watts and Uma Thurman both chose short, high shine manicures in deep wine reds, with Watts wearing a glossy red wine tone and Thurman opting for a slightly darker shade. The pair were among the A list guests at the Milan Fashion Week presentation on 22nd September 2026, where their coordinated nail looks quickly drew attention from beauty observers.
Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, says the moment shows where nail trends are heading. “Milan Fashion Week is always a strong indicator of what trends will come next, and this manicure is a good example. Seeing Watts and Thurman in such similar shades at Prada shows how much the look is resonating.”
“Searches for ‘merlot nails’ are up 786% in the last year, so people are clearly ready to move on from classic red to something deeper.”
“Merlot has the impact of a red manicure, but it feels softer and more grown up. It’s rich rather than loud,” Taurua adds.
Why merlot is predicted to last
Merlot is easy to wear, which Taurua says is the reason it will last beyond fashion week.
“Merlot is one of those shades that works for everyone,” Taurua explains.
“It suits a wide range of skin tones and sits just as well with knitwear as it does with evening wear. There is no need for nail art, because the colour and shine do the work.”
Why short nails suit dark shades
Taurua says the shape was as important as the colour. “Short, soft squoval nails are one of the most on trend shapes right now, and they suit dark shades brilliantly. A deep colour can feel heavy on a long nail, but on a shorter nail it looks clean, modern, and polished.”
How to get the look at the salon
Merlot is one of the simpler trends to recreate, whether you are booking a salon appointment or doing it at home.
When in the salon chair, Taurua says it is important to be specific about the shape and shade. “To get the merlot look, ask for a short length and a soft, square nail with gently rounded corners.”
As merlot can mean different things to different people, bring a photo, ideally taken in natural light, so your technician can match the depth of the colour.
Ask for a deep red with a wine or burgundy undertone rather than an orange based red. Most technicians will have several options and can help you find one that flatters your skin tone.
She also recommends asking for a glossy top coat. Shine is what makes merlot look expensive. Gel is a good option because it keeps the colour glossy for longer, which is particularly useful with dark shades as chips and dull patches are more noticeable.
“If you’re not ready for a full set, a merlot accent or French tip is an easy way to try the look,” says Taurua.
How to keep the shine
“Because merlot is so glossy, dullness is the giveaway when it starts to look tired,” Taurua explains.
“A fresh layer of top coat between appointments can bring the shine back, and daily cuticle oil will keTauruaep the skin around your nails looking healthy, which really shows on short nails.”