"For the Jason Wu Collection, the focus was on delivering an ultra-clean, effortless and sophisticated minimalist aesthetic, says Cinthia Barbosa, lead manicurist and nail artist
Professional nail care brand China Glaze partnered with renowned fashion designer Jason Wu as the official nail partner for the presentation of his Spring 2027 collection during New York Fashion Week on Sep 13th.
Lead manicurist and nail artist Cinthia Barbosa of Major Face created the nail look for the evening.
The runway manicures featured the following China Glaze shades:
- China Glaze Bare Attack
- China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
- China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat
The nail look was designed as a subtle complement to the collection’s layered textures and intricate fabrications. China Glaze Bare Attack, a soft, dusty nude, created a clean, understated finish that allowed the clothes and their details to remain the focus.
Bringing The Look to Life
Barbosa shares the inside scoop on techniques, approaches and the China Glaze Connection.
"We opted for a short, square shape with rounded edges to keep the look modern yet highly wearable. The key technique here is absolute precision in the prep—pushing back cuticles, flawless shaping and buffering—which creates the perfect canvas for a sheer shade," says Barbosa.
With Bare Attack as the artist selection, paired with a China Glaze Base Coat and Top Coat a classic, minimalist nail look that perfectly complements the clean lines and understated elegance of Jason Wu's collection.
"What makes China Glaze such a staple for high-fashion runway environments is its long-standing connection to professional artistry. The formula allows for a thin, perfectly even application that doesn't streak, which is crucial when you are under tight backstage time constraints," Barbosa adds.
Borbosa explains that sealing the look with the Fast Forward Top Coat gives an immediate, high-gloss runway finish that holds up under intense camera flashes and quick wardrobe changes, proving why the brand remains a trusted choice for session stylists.
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
Managing a high-profile event requires trust and a great team. Borbosa highlights that consistency is a key element in seeing success in this area and how she managed her team while maintaining the vision for the show
"To ensure my team of assistants seamlessly brings the vision to life, it all starts with a comprehensive walkthrough and visual alignment during our 3:00 PM team briefing," says Barbosa. During this time, she provides visual step-by-step instructions and personally demos the exact thickness and stroke technique required for the polish layers.
Beyond the technical aspect, Barbosa aims for a strict workflow, allocating 15 to 20 minutes per model and delegating specific roles for final touch-ups and hand hydration right before the lineup.
"By setting clear parameters, providing visual anchors and maintaining open communication, the team stays calm under pressure, perfectly aligned and focused on executing a cohesive, top-tier look for the runway," says Barbosa.
The partnership underscores China Glaze’s connection to professional artistry and fashion, bringing runway-inspired nail trends and professional-quality color to consumers beyond New York Fashion Week.
