What we actually want to wear on our nails and what we just like to look at on other people’s nails are two very different things sometimes. The nail artistry at this week’s New York fashion week actually veered both ways for us this season.

While nudes are still a thing, and orangey poppy reds (see Jason Wu) had a strong showing, there were a few surprises, too. Manicurist Jin Soon Choi told us backstage at Alexander Wang to watch for super dark colors (not very spring-like) mixed with brights–for example a mixed mani/pedi. She also said that bright colors with a 70s feeling like purple and turquoise would be big come spring.

The established designers went fairly minimal with makeup and nails this season, but we love that indie designers (and Betsey Johnson, of course!) are still taking nail risks. And more than one showed Lucite tips–hello, new nail trend!

Click through to see all the creative nails from the New York spring 2012 shows so far.