“They are bright and hyper-glamorous in the aptly named Flaming Rose,” says manicurist Marian Newman of the chilli red nails she created for the models at Emanuel Ungaro using MAC’s notorious nail hue. It is official. The colour is a significant sign of not only a return to Hollywood glamour and classic manicures, but also femininity on display in the most direct manner possible. This boldest and most beautiful hue seen on nails for centuries gets an update with bright, fresh, high-shine red.

Firstly, don’t be afraid to go all matchy-matchy. “Everything matched,” notes Keri Blair behind the scenes at the Zac Posen show. “The lip, the nail, the red in the collection.” If that feels too over the top, go mysterious. At Alexander McQueen, dark romance and liquid metal face masks are offset by nails that stand out in a storm of crimson. They evoke the very mood that designer Sarah Burton wanted to send across – Oriental lacquer and kabuki theatrical influences. But if this reference feels too ornate, have a little bit of fun, and do as they do at House of Holland, where quirky British charm is injected by way of Barbie doll pink and glitter on ruby nails. “It is like a liberal riot of pink and red,” enthuses lead manicurist Sophy Robson.

Classic. Fun. Sexy. All attractive qualities to have, and with as little as a manicure. And did we also mention that a dash of red can make your hands look 10 years younger?

Images: Imaxtree; Studio D.