When the cast of the upcoming film Verity gathered for a press tour in New York, the buzz wasn’t just about the movie. Actress Anne Hathaway arrived with a striking, glossy burgundy manicure that immediately signaled the arrival of fall. Crafted by celebrity nail artist Mo Qin the look combined a rich, wine-red hue with a high-shine finish, offering a sophisticated alternative to the typical pumpkin-spice aesthetic.
The burgundy manicure that defines the season
The shade, described by insiders as “deep, vampy and utterly polished,” was achieved using Essie’s Gel Polish in the color “Model Clicks.” After applying two coats, Qin sealed the pigment with Essie’s Shiny Top Coat resulting in a mirror-like surface that catches the light on every movement. Paired with Hathaway’s short, neat nail shape, the manicure conveyed maturity while still delivering a bold statement—exactly the balance fashion editors crave for autumn.
Beyond burgundy: Hathaway’s recent nail experiments
While the burgundy shade has become the headline, Hathaway’s nail roster over the past weeks shows a playful willingness to experiment. She has been spotted with lychee-inspired pastel pinks that evoke the delicate fruit’s blush, a coconut-jelly gloss that mimics the translucent sheen of tropical treats, and a deep merlot color that leans even darker than the current burgundy. Each variation maintains the same glossy finish, underscoring Hathaway’s preference for polished, high-impact looks.
Lychee nails
The lychee manicure features a soft, muted pink base topped with a subtle gloss, creating an airy, spring-like vibe that surprisingly fits into the cooler months when paired with richer accessories. The effect is achieved by layering a sheer pink gel over a neutral base, then adding a glossy top coat for reflection.
Coconut jelly gloss
Inspired by the clear, gelatinous texture of coconut jelly desserts, this look uses a clear gel polish with a high-shimmer top coat to achieve a semi-transparent, almost liquid appearance. The effect works best on shorter nails, allowing the gloss to act as a miniature mirror.
Merlot nails
Taking the burgundy concept a step further, the merlot shade leans into a darker, almost blackish red. It’s applied with the same two-coat method but uses a slightly more pigmented base, making it ideal for evening events and formal occasions.
How to capture Hathaway’s autumn nail vibe
Recreating the look doesn’t require a celebrity nail tech, but a few key products and techniques help. Start with a clean, filed nail shape—short and square is preferred for a modern finish. Apply a base coat, then two layers of Essie’s Model Clicks gel polish or a comparable deep-red gel. Finish with a glossy top coat to lock in shine. For variations, swap the base color while keeping the glossy top coat consistent. The result is a versatile, season-spanning manicure that mirrors Hathaway’s runway-ready aesthetic.
Behind the coverage, Lia Mappoura the beauty writer for Cosmopolitan UK highlighted the trend as a fresh take on autumnal nail colors. Her expertise in spotting emerging styles helped amplify Hathaway’s manicure, turning it into a widely shared inspiration across social platforms.
