Will Alessandro Michele Finally Lay the Valentino Rockstud to Rest?

The Valentino Rockstud is one of fashion’s most highly debated signifiers. Making its debut for Spring 2011 on the runway in Paris, the Rockstud has been synonymous with the House of Valentino for well over a decade now.

Pierpaolo Piccioli, who created the Rockstud alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, has revived it in new and interesting ways each season. Reappearing season after season in an endless stream of new designs, the Rockstud is truly engrained in fashion culture.

They’ve stood the test of time despite many feeling they looked dated or were associated with a specific time in fashion. However, with the second half of the Rockstud’s creator-duo now out at Valentino, will the Rockstud finally meet its demise?

A New Chapter Begins

While it was only announced late in March that Alessandro Michele would succeed Pierpaolo Piccioli, fashion fans would not have long to wait before getting their first glance at Alessandro’s Valentino.

The new creative director surprised us by making his debut for Resort 2025 just two and a half months after his appointment was announced.

The collection included a wide array of new bags, but also some bags that incorporated existing House codes and motifs like the V Logo, which was used on new bags, as well as new versions of the Valentino Loco bag.

The collection saw many embellishments—after all, Michele is known for his maximalist aesthetic—but one thing it was devoid of was Rockstuds.

Was Michele making a statement, proving that he intends to make Valentino all his own? Maybe, but maybe not. While the potential for Michele to avoid using the classic Rockstud in his designs is great, it’s unlikely that Valentino will phase out existing core silhouettes altogether.

For now, it’s likely the Rockstud will live on, at least in some capacity.

Are you ready to see the Rockstud go?