Co-designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Valentino Rockstud is one of the most widely recognized brand signifiers in the luxury fashion world. It’s a logo without being a logo, and it’s withstood the test of time for over a decade and a half.
A Legendary Symbol in Luxury Fashion
Still, when Alessandro Michele took over the helm of Valentino, the Rockstud was noticeably absent from his debut Resort 2025 collection. It was missing again from his Spring 2025 runway debut. We wondered if Michele, ever the maximalist lover, was moving away from the Rockstud.
Until Meryl Streep herself was spotted wearing Rockstuds in the trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, reprising her iconic role as Miranda Priestly, proving that the Rockstud is, apparently, immortal.
Although the Rockstud would go on to outfit bags, accessories, and more, the storied House emblem originally debuted on the brand’s iconic pumps. Shortly after the trailer dropped, Valentino began promoting the return of one of its best-selling shoes of all time.
It was quickly clear that Michele was embracing the Rockstud once and for all. Today, it’s even clearer, as Valentino debuts a look at Michele’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection, which includes, you guessed it, plenty of Rockstuds.
Rockstuds Take Center Stage in Pre-Fall 2026
The classic Rockstud pump is given the Michele touch with a more ’90s square toe finished with gold hardware. Elsewhere, Rockstudded sandals and a suede bag fitted with the staple hardware further emphasize the return of the Rockstud.
Other bags offer fresh takes on new brand icons, such as the Panthea and DeVain, while grained leather bags provide a more minimalist approach to the Valentino V-Logo. View more details below, and for a complete look at the collection, visit Vogue Runway.
Images via Vogue Runway
Might be worth re-designing that logo as well… just sayin’
That Valentino logo…AWFUL. I just don’t like it, but LOVE the style of these bags!!
When it comes to bags, I prefer the Roman stud to the Rockstud
I like both but I did recently get a lovely Valentino mauve Roman stud shoulder bag
Love, love my rockstud bags and shoes! As a senior, the low lower heel, is perfect for me and they’re the most comfortable shoes, I’ve ever own ( 4 pairs)!
Love the rockstud. I’m an old punk so like edgy fashion. I also like the Louboutin spikes.
LOL miss D I just wrote that as well …
Oh yes lovely perhaps it’s from my old punk days but I do love studs LOL
That Valentino logo is the original one, but I never liked it.
Personally I think Michele ruins the brand. Everything is on the tacky side.
Oh I love the shoes I can’t wear high heels but I do have a great pair of Rockstud leather sneakers and a beautiful pink structured large Rockstud handbag