From runway inspirations to one-of-a-kind designs, our picks are sure to keep you up on your nail game while giving you the 411 on how to recreate many of the looks yourself. This week, nail enthusiast Shelley Burns shared her secrets on creating her trendy V-Gap nail design.

The Trend: Originally created by British manicurist Sophy Robinson for Antonio Bernardi’s Fall 2011 show, the V-Gap manicure became an instant hit within the nail community. This versatile trend works on most nail lengths and gives the wearer numerous options with colors and textures. Check out the basics of creating this look below.

Editor’s Note: We love Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel in Cream Pink ($1.99; Drugstore.com as base color and Essie Nail Polish in Avenue Maintain ($8.00; dermstore.com) as the accent to recreate Burn’s design.

EBONY: What special techniques did you use during application?

Shelley Burns: To create the perfect “V” shape, I used striping tape. (Editor’s Note: check out Amazon.com to purchase.) I suggest allowing your base color to dry roughly 10 to 15 minutes before applying tape on top of your polish. Once your polish has dried, apply the striping tape down the center of your nail and two more pieces where you want your gap to start. Essentially, you’ll be creating an upside down peace sign. Using your second color, paint down from where the two pieces of tape meet your center stripe. Next, remove the tape, starting with the two strips at the top, then remove the center strip. Finally, seal in the color with your quick dry topcoat, like Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat ($9.99; Ulta.com), to prevent smudges.

EBONY: What do you think the next hot nail trend will be?

SB: I'm really into the "Negative Space" mani. It's a manicure that uses the natural tone of the nail as a part of the art—it leaves an empty area or nail unpainted.

Minajiah Scott