If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen a close-up of a foot that made you do a double-take. Specifically, a foot belonging to record producer Benny Blanco. It wasn’t just a standard pedicure, either. We’re talking about benny blanco toe nail art—a phenomenon that has sparked more heated debate in comment sections than some political elections.
Some people find it genius. Others think it’s, well, a bit much. Honestly, though? It’s basically the most Benny Blanco thing ever. He’s the guy who produces hits for Rihanna and Justin Bieber while wearing a bathrobe and cooking gourmet meals in his kitchen. Why wouldn't he have a Persian rug on his big toe?
The "Pickle Pedicure" and the Selena Gomez Connection
The obsession really hit a fever pitch in February 2024. Benny decided to pay the ultimate tribute to his then-girlfriend (and now wife!), Selena Gomez. Most guys buy flowers. Benny got her favorite snack painted on his toes.
He didn't just get green polish. He commissioned celebrity nail artist Tahvya Krok (known as @nailedbytav on Instagram) to recreate the Best Maid Pickles logo on his big toes. The rest of his toes were painted to look like actual, textured pickle slices.
It’s easy to dismiss this as just a weird celebrity stunt. But if you look at their relationship, it’s actually sorta sweet. He’s been vocal about her love for those specific Texas pickles—he even shared a TikTok of himself frying them for her on Valentine’s Day. The nail art was just the literal, 3D-textured cherry on top. Or, you know, the dill on the toe.
That Infamous Persian Rug (Yes, With Real Tassels)
If you thought the pickles were wild, the "Persian Rug" set from September 2024 took things to a whole new dimension. This wasn't just a pattern. It was a masterpiece of hyper-realism.
Tahvya Krok hand-painted intricate red, blue, and white floral motifs that looked like they belonged in a palace in Tehran. But the part that truly divided the internet? The fringe. Actual fabric tassels were attached to the tips of his toenails to mimic the edges of a rug.
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"I got to see these in person and they were 🔥🔥🔥!" — Tom Bachik, celebrity manicurist.
While industry pros like Bachik (who works with Jennifer Lopez and Selena herself) praised the technical skill, the general public was... confused. The Tab even joked about the "nightmare fuel" of Selena feeling those tassels in bed. But that’s the thing about Benny’s style—it’s designed to be a conversation starter. It’s "ugly-cool" in a way that perfectly matches his eccentric, maximalist vibe.
A Look Back at the Most Bizarre Designs
It turns out the Persian rug was just the tip of the iceberg. Looking through his history of pedicures is like walking through a miniature, slightly surrealist art gallery.
- The Sushi Platter: This wasn't just flat art. We're talking 3D-sculpted pieces of nigiri, sashimi, and even tiny bento boxes on his big toes.
- The Tarantulas: Possibly his most controversial look. These featured actual hairy legs. The artist reportedly used strands of hair to make the spiders look more realistic as they "crawled" across his feet.
- The Eye: A hyper-realistic human eye, complete with reflections in the iris and false eyelashes glued to the nail bed.
- The Golden Toes: For an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show in April 2025, Benny skipped the 3D sculptures and went for a solid, high-shine gold. He even walked out barefoot to make sure the cameras caught it.
Why Does He Do It?
You’ve gotta wonder what the point is. Is it just for the "clout"? Probably not. Benny Blanco has a net worth of over $50 million; he doesn't need the engagement that badly.
The reality is more about self-expression and the "Fiancée Effect" (now the Husband Effect). Since he and Selena went public, Benny has leaned hard into his role as the quirky, supportive partner who doesn't take himself too seriously. In an interview on Andrew Santino’s Whiskey Ginger podcast, he even joked about his "grotesque" features. He knows he’s not a traditional Hollywood heartthrob, so he plays with it. He turns his body into a canvas for things that make people laugh or cringe.
It’s a rejection of the "clean girl" aesthetic that dominated the early 2020s. Benny is messy. He’s colorful. He’s got tassels on his toes.
How to Get the Look (If You're Brave Enough)
Look, you probably aren't going to glue rug tassels to your feet before a workday. But the benny blanco toe nail art trend has actually pushed some boundaries in the professional nail world. If you want to try a toned-down version, here’s what you should know:
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- Find a specialist: Most local salons do basic gel. You need a "nail tech" who specializes in 3D art or "charms."
- Texture is key: Use builder gel to create raised ridges if you’re going for the "pickle" or "sushi" look.
- Preparation matters: These sets can take 2+ hours. When Benny got his "limes" done, it was a full two-hour session for just his feet.
- Footwear limits: If you go for the 3D sculptures, forget about sneakers. Benny is almost always seen in slides or Birkenstocks for a reason.
Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny the technical skill involved. Tahvya Krok’s work is genuinely impressive from a purely artistic standpoint. It takes a lot of steady-handedness to paint a bento box on a pinky toe.
If you’re planning your next pedicure and want to channel some Blanco energy, start small. Maybe a single hand-painted fruit or a metallic gold. You don't have to go full tarantula on day one. But hey, if you do, just make sure you’ve got the right shoes to show it off.
Actionable Next Steps
- Follow the artist: Check out @nailedbytav on Instagram to see the high-resolution videos of how these 3D designs are actually built.
- Evaluate your footwear: If you're going for 3D art, invest in a pair of high-quality open-toe slides (like the ones Benny wore on Jennifer Hudson) to prevent chipping the artwork.
- Check for local "Nail Charms": Search for technicians in your area who use 3D builder gel or "Kawaii" style charms if you want to replicate the textured food looks.