Most brands have a few telltale features that makes something inherently theirs, but few brands are as solidified with a singular design element as Valentino is with its Rockstuds. We first saw Valentino Rockstud appear in the Spring 2011 show, and from that point forward, the Bow that Valentino was once known for was replaced by the Rockstud (however sometimes they are still used together). Under the helm of Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the surge in popularity of Valentino Rockstud sales had doubled the brand’s earnings in a matter of years. The now famous stud is meant to represent the “bugnatos” that are often seen on palazzo-style buildings in Rome, which is headquarters for the brand.
There have been many variations and amounts of Rockstud we have seen on different bags, shoes and accessories, but the latest play on this signature trend comes with Valentino Roman Stud. And let me tell you, I absolutely love it. Seen on two different bag shapes in a few sizes, the Valentino Roman Stud Handle Bag and Valentino Roman Stud Shoulder Bag offer modern spins with that recognizable detail on timeless designs.
I am partial to the Valentino Roman Stud Handle Bag in the smaller size as it’s the right mix of compact but sizable and easy to pair with your casual clothing or dress it up for a night out. The lambskin nappa leather is absolutely divine, and I can tell you that as someone who sees a lot of bags in person. It’s smooth, lush, thick, and just dreamy. If you want a pop of color, opt for the pink or the lime sorbet (both will surely become summer closet staples).
As for the bag itself, the quilted leather is enhanced with tone-on-tone stitching and the exterior is highlighted with maxi studs. There is a detachable sliding chain strap or a detachable leather strap, so there are many ways you can carry the bag. Some bags in the Roman Stud line offer tonal studs, which is always a nice subdued look, but I really like the antique brass finish metal details. The front compartment features a twist-lock closure and the rear compartment has a magnetic closure. The bottom has protective feet, which is something I sometimes forget to check but is such a necessary addition for lambskin. The interior is lined in Nappa leather as well and features one flat pocket. The leather strap offers a 19.7″ drop, the chain strap offers a 21.7″ drop, and the overall dimensions are 8″ W x 7″ H x 5.5″ D. Price is $3,150 via Valentino.
As for the Valentino Roman Stud Shoulder Bag, it has many of the same features as the Handle bag including the nappa lambskin leather, the quilted design, and of course the maxi studs. The handle is detachable and there is a detachable sliding chain strap as well, which offers multiple ways to wear the bag. The dimensions of the medium size are 9.8″ W x 6.3″ H x 3.9″ D. Price is $3,150 via Valentino.
Discover Valentino Roman Stud here
I like them. I have heard many say the studs need to go. Why?? Many still like them and Valentino offers options that are stud free!
I personally don’t like the stud but I have no problem with Valentino keep coming out with their studs.
I like this collection better than older versions. It looks feminine and elegant.
I love the oversized studs. The bag in the last picture is beautiful.
The studs are to Valentino what monogram canvas is to Louis Vuitton. People either love them or hate them, but when it comes to branding it’s better to be polarizing and recognizable than to just blend in with the crowd.
These bags without the studs could pass for any brand – even brands costing just a fraction of the price. It’s kind of a shame that design has gotten to the point that the only point of difference are the ‘graphics’, or design for design sake. These bags are nice but nothing really unique.
Enough with the darn studs! ?
I am of the minority opinion that Valentino has milked the stud cow enough by now.
I like them, at least in the darker colors and especially as the studs are not used as liberally as in the past. These bags (in black, brown or navy blue, too bad there isn’t also a deep, rich forest green) have an urban, cool weather vibe — good for carrying around Paris or Milan in November…but I already have some great bags for that purpose. So…if I had 3k that I didn’t know what to do with, I might spring for one of them. Or if my husband bought me one, I’d be happy with it. But actively seek them out? Probably not.
Nice Blog
Unless Valentino comes up with another Iconic design, they should continue to release bags with studs as it has become their signature. I mean, which other luxury brands offers such options with studs without looking like a rock-chick wannabe?