Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal’s sculptural, talon-shaped nails were one of the standout beauty moments at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, held Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The BLACKPINK star’s nude manicure with a single red gem accent is also a reminder that award-season nails, from the Met Gala to the VMAs, now make as many headlines as the gowns.
The pop star, who is performing her new single “SaWaDiKa” and is up for four awards, arrived at the 43rd annual ceremony in head-to-toe crimson: a red lace The Attico gown with bustier detailing, topped with a statement-making Quine Li coat with a long train. She completed the monochrome look with red pointed-toe heels but kept the red to a minimum on her nails.
Lisa’s VMAs Nail Look, Up Close
The manicure comes courtesy of celebrity nail artist Juan Alvear, who calls himself “forever experimenting” in his Instagram bio, and it shows. Instead of a sharp stiletto or almond curve, her nails curve into an elongated, talon-like point. She topped off the look with a stack of chunky rings, plus red gemstone accents scattered across a couple of nails for a subtle pop of color against the nude base.
Lisa’s Best Nail Moments With Juan Alvear
This isn’t the first time Alvear has turned Lisa’s hands into a work of art. He gave her an icy, rhinestone-encrusted press-on set at the 2026 Met Gala, a maximalist gold-jewel manicure for BLACKPINK’s Deadline World Tour and a gold-flake ombré look at the 2026 Golden Globes. At this point, Lisa’s nails are as much her signature as her wardrobe.
