Cardi B’s Luxe Met Gala Manicure Has Winter Written All Over It

When Cardi B steps onto a red carpet, it’s rarely subtle—and that’s precisely what we love about her. But for the 2025 Met Gala, held on Monday, May 5, the rap icon traded maximalism for monochrome sophistication, pairing a luxurious green velvet gown with a manicure that might just spark your next winter nail obsession.

Created by none other than celebrity nail artist Coca Michelle, Cardi’s manicure wasn’t flashy in design but made a high-impact statement through texture, tone, and finish. Think extra-long, almond-shaped tips painted in a rich, reflective olive green that shimmered under the Met’s dramatic lighting. It was a modern twist on old Hollywood glamour, fused with a winter-ready shade we’re officially bookmarking.

Michelle, an OPI Global Ambassador, built the look using a combination of OPI’s Suzi – The First Lady of Nails as the base—an earthy olive green that’s bold yet wearable—and topped it off with Ozitively Elphaba, a gel polish flecked with pearlescent gold pigments. The effect? A dimensional, velvet-like finish that caught the light with every flick of Cardi’s hand. The polish combo is also available in OPI’s regular lacquer formula, so fans can bring the same winter drama to their own fingertips—no celebrity glam squad required.

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While the nails quietly commanded attention, Cardi’s beauty look as a whole was a masterclass in intentional coordination. Her deep green manicure didn’t just complement her dress; it amplified it, creating a head-to-toe color story that felt both curated and completely couture.

And the glam didn’t stop there. For hair, Cardi turned to longtime collaborator and celebrity hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, who gave her a voluminous, '80s-inspired afro using Vivace by Kiss hair extensions in a jet black hue. "This hairstyle celebrated natural texture while adding a contemporary twist to classic dandyism," Stylez noted in a press release. “It aligned seamlessly with the gala’s focus on Black tailoring and cultural expression.”

Together, the beauty details formed a powerful aesthetic that felt luxe, editorial, and deeply personal—proof that even in a more pared-down moment, Cardi B’s style speaks volumes.

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Winter Manicure Forecast? Velvet Green Is In.

With icy months on the horizon, we’re predicting a rise in rich, reflective greens just like Cardi’s—polished, wearable, and seasonally striking. Whether you're drawn to the opulence of her exact OPI shades or inspired to DIY your own variation, one thing is certain: Cardi B’s Met Gala manicure is already winter 2025’s coolest nail trend.