Tracee Ellis Ross’s Race Car-Red Manicure Will Be a Summer Staple

Tracee Ellis Ross is a speed demon—if by speed you mean “shows an interest in fancy cars” and by demon you mean “appreciates a devilish red nail polish color.” That’s what I mean, anyway.

On April 23, Ellis Ross stepped out in Los Angeles for the world unveiling of Mercedes-Benz’s new electric G-Class vehicle. Held at Franklin Canyon Park, the launch party was a star-studded affair—Kendall Jenner and her personal G500 Convertible were both in attendance. The American Fiction actress, for her part, chose a stellar black leather jumpsuit and major red manicure to mark the occasion, updating fans on her good time via Instagram.

“I put on some leatha and went to a car thing,” wrote Ellis Ross alongside a carousel of photos. As luck would have it, her selections included a close-up of the aforementioned stiletto nails.

Crafted by nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, the mani is long and glossy, featuring a blazing red polish that looks quite similar (in shape and hue) to a 2022 look worn by Kylie Jenner that’s pinned to Ganzorigt’s profile. “Obsessed with this red,” wrote the artist at the time. And obsessions can stick around.

While we don’t know the exact shade of polish used, I’d bet that it’s OPI’s Big Apple Red ($12), Byrdie’s pick for the best classic red polish color. It’s worth noting that Ellis Ross has rocked the shade before—last September she wore a similar manicure while modeling some excellent Prada shoes in a self-timer photoshoot. The nail artist confirmed the shade she used in her own Instagram post at the time.

This time around, the Pattern Beauty founder paired her nails with a slicked back bun, simple makeup, and the perfect accessory: a slim red Alaïa Le Teckel bag.Fast, furious, and oh so fashionable.