Onlookers at this season’s runway shows will once again have their eyes on more than the clothing, carefully scrutinizing makeup and nail trends as well. Nail brand Essie Cosmetics will once again present nails that generate a double-take. For the second year in a row, this color authority will lend its creative and colorful vision on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Fall 2012. In collaboration with some of today’s most esteemed designers, the Essie team will create custom backstage nail looks that will undoubtedly emerge as meaningful salon and consumer trends in the weeks and months to come. Adding to the backstage excitement will be Essie Weingarten, the founder and creative director behind the iconic brand. Essie and an exclusive team of manicurists will be on hand to offer insider tips and unparalleled inspiration throughout the week.

The impressive designer line-up has expanded in size from last season and features a fabulous balance of industry greats and notable up-and-comers including: DKNY, 3.1 Philip Lim, Helmut Lang, Richard Chai, Creatures of the Wind, Pamela Love, Lela Rose, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Costello Tagliapietra and Douglas Hannant Pink. The brand is also aligning with Haven Spa as the featured nail expert for the Rebecca Minkoff, Suno and Edun shows. essie nailcolor will also grace the runways of Custo Barcelona, Chado Ralph Rucci , Carlos Miele and Jenny Packham.

“I’ve always said that color is the ultimate accessory for women,” says Weingarten. “So our partnership with so many amazing designers during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week continues to thrill and inspire us. Not only is it the perfect collaboration for Essie as a fashion-forward brand, but I love that we’re giving women everywhere their first look at what’s coming next from the industry’s best.”

Alongside Essie Weingarten, the Essie nail looks will be created by a talented, highly sought-after team of artists: celebrity manicurists Elle, Ana Maria, Gina Edwards and Michina Koide. They’ll be backstage to bring expert vision and unsurpassed technique to the scene.