For anyone who lived through the noughties’ fashion internet, the Valentino Garavani Rockstud needs little to no introduction. First seen during the Italian brand’s fall/winter 2011 show, the silhouette has indelibly made its mark as one of the most recognisable high-glamour heels. Which is probably why its appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2, fashion’s most anticipated high-gloss sequel, instantly sparked fresh buzz online.
For pre-fall 2026, Alessandro Michele brings the Rockstud back into Valentino’s orbit with a newly sharpened take on the adored pump. Gleaming with 112 Rockstuds—56 on each side—the silhouette keeps its unmistakable bite, the caged frame now worked with chiseled pointy toes in a sleek platinum finish and of course, the maison’s signature red insoles.
Apart from the dazzle of the studs themselves, the colours are where things get especially exciting. Vibrant flashes of blue and bright green punctuate the range, standing out even more in the campaign’s beautifully shot images against Rome’s marble backdrops.
All said, the Rockstud comes back with just enough nostalgia to make the 2010s girls feel seen, and enough new panache to remind everyone why it became such a thing in the first place.
To shop the collection and for more information, visit Valentino.
