Each set he creates takes on a completely different face for each artist. One model with red hair wore crossing metal rods and rings as structures on her fingertips. Another model with blue wave-like hair had transparent spiral sculptures on each nail. Though they passed through the same artist's hands, the results follow each individual's personality. They're closer to custom sculptures.
Recently, his work reached the couture runway as well. At Iris van Herpen's FW26 show during Paris Haute Couture Week this July, he worked 3D-printed elements into his nails for the first time. It was a small tribute to a designer who brought 3D-printed garments to the runway early on. It was a moment when technology and craft met at the fingertips.
His nails go beyond simple decoration. The sculptures placed on fingers reconstruct the wearer's identity and atmosphere. The reason pop stars line up for him is likely because his nails complete their on-stage personas. What kind of sculpture would you want to place on your fingertips?
FAQ
Who is Juan Alvear as a nail artist?
Juan Alvear is the nail artist behind the looks of pop stars including Chappell Roan, Rosalía, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. He studied painting and sculpture at Cooper Union in New York and expanded from wearable sculpture into nail art.
What nails did Juan Alvear present at the Iris van Herpen show?
At the Iris van Herpen 26FW show during Paris Haute Couture Week in January 2025, Juan Alvear applied 3D-printed elements to nails for the first time. He described it as an homage to the designer who pioneered 3D-printed garments on the runway.
What is Juan Alvear's nail art style like?
Juan Alvear's nails take on completely different identities for each artist. Metal rods, ring structures, swirling transparent forms—they're closer to bespoke sculptures reflecting each wearer's individuality. Miniature sculptures perched on fingertips, they function as art pieces beyond mere decoration.
