May 11, 2026 |
Sometimes a brand produces a piece that doesn’t just look great – it’s a portal into a rich tapestry of fashion history. The Rockstud pump from Valentino Garavani is one of those pieces. First introduced for AW10 under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the elegant shape sports a pointed toe, its classic character disrupted by a spattering of pyramid studs inspired by the hardware often decorating Roman architecture. It quickly became the it-shoe of the 2010s, becoming a beloved go-to for fashion editors, luxury shoppers and everyone in between. Fast forward to today, and the house has released a campaign marking a new chapter for the piece, this time penned by creative director Alessandro Michele.
Reimagined for pre-fall 2026, the campaign (lensed by long-term collaborator Johnny Dufort and directed by Shayne Laverdiere) unfolds amongst Rome’s classical architecture, paying homage to the irreplaceable role the city plays in the house’s identity. Capturing a model playfully imitating a grand, marble deity, or standing at the mouth of a fountain, letting the crisp water wash over the slick leather of her pumps, the images embrace the spirit and subtle sensuality at the core of Valentino Garavani. The new Rockstud, now sporting an evolved silhouette with a platinum finish on the toe and a reinterpreted cage design, acts as a physical portrait of the strength and lightness laced through its identity.
Available with two different heel heights, as well as a sandal and flat version, this fresh iteration of the new Rockstud comes in a vast array of colours – from more neutral tones to bolder hues designed to stand out. You can purchase the new release from Valentino Garavani boutiques worldwide and online. Don’t miss out on owning a piece of fashion history. Buy yours here.
Photography by Johnny Dufort.
