The Valentino Rockstud has found itself back in the spotlight with the early 2010s fashion revival. Following the return of the massive Gucci belt, designed by the brand's former creative director Alessandro Michele, the Valentino Rockstud's comeback is logical and natural. Fashion of this period is actively reinterpreted, and iconic items are becoming relevant again for a new audience.
Dakota Johnson
Advertising.
The culmination of the return of the Valentino Rockstud was the release of the trailer for the movie “The Devil Wears Prada 2”. The very first frame caused a real resonance: Miranda Priestly confidently walks through the corridors of Runway magazine in red Valentino Rockstud shoes. This moment immediately went viral and launched a wave of discussions. Within a few hours, TikTok and X were flooded with comments. Some users wrote that Miranda Priestly would never have chosen the Valentino Rockstud. There were statements that these shoes are more associated with interns than with the editor-in-chief. At the same time, many came to the defense of the image. Commentators emphasized that if anyone is able to bring back shoes from the past and make them fashionable again, it is Miranda Priestly. The generalization of the discussion was a simple thought: if Miranda is wearing Valentino Rockstuds, then they really are back.
To understand the scale of the reaction, it is important to recall the history of the Valentino Rockstud. The model was first presented in the autumn-winter 2010/2011 season. It was created by the then creative directors of the Valentino brand, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli. The Valentino Rockstud was a logical continuation of the gladiator shoe trend that dominated at the time. The design was inspired by the architecture of Rome and Valentino's archive couture collections. That is why these shoes have an elegant shape and a daring decorative element in the form of metal spikes.
Valentino autumn-winter 2010/2011
Valentino autumn-winter 2010/2011
Valentino Rockstuds quickly became a symbol of the balance between classic and provocative. They corresponded to the image of the modern woman of the early 2010s, who wanted to be both sophisticated and bold. It was this balance that made the model so popular. Over time, the characteristic Valentino Rockstud studs appeared on bags, clutches, sandals and even clothing. The decorative studs became a recognizable brand element of the brand – Valentino could be recognized unmistakably by them.
Paris Hilton
The cultural status of the Valentino Rockstud quickly solidified thanks to celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Anne Hathaway, Beyonce, Miranda Kerr chose accessories with spikes. Valentino Rockstuds were literally everywhere. However, excessive popularity gradually played against the model. In the late 2010s, Valentino Rockstuds lost their relevance and ended up in closets next to things with peplums and massive jewelry, which also became symbols of that era.
Miranda Kerr
In 2026, the Valentino Rockstud is back in fashion. Interest in the early 2010s aesthetic continues to grow. Other iconic accessories from the era have already regained their former popularity: the massive Gucci monogram belt, the Balenciaga City bag and the Saint Laurent Tribute heels. Against this backdrop, the Valentino Rockstud comeback is logical and quite expected.
Jennifer Lopez
The most interesting is the appearance of Valentino Rockstud in Miranda Priestly's wardrobe. In the original 2006 film, her style was formed according to different principles. The images were dominated by Chanel tweed jackets, Prada coats and Christian Louboutin shoes. That is why the choice of Valentino Rockstud looks like an interesting decision. It indicates a change in fashion codes and a rethinking of the character's image. For now, these are only interpretations. Final conclusions can be drawn after the premiere of the film.