Recently, the internet was ablaze with the official trailer of the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2, offering a glimpse of where our beloved characters are 20 years later, from Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs to Emily Charlton.
Yet the true scene stealers were the lineup of designer ensembles, statement handbags, and, most notably, a striking pair of Valentino Garavani Rockstud heels that instantly captured internet netizens’ attention with its bold and updated design, mind you 16 years after their debut.
So, if you are not already obsessed with Valentino Garavani heels, here are all the reasons they deserve a place in your wardrobe.
The Rockstud Origins
The house of Valentino struck gold when showcasing their Fall/Winter 2010 collection as the brand also launched their first-ever women’s footwear line and introduced the Valentino Garavani Rockstud heels.
Designed by the formidable duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the designers merged historic Roman architectural inspiration with a sense of punk rock edge through its signature studs. And the result? Nothing short of astounding, of course.
The iconic heel’s design was actually inspired by bugnato, or the rustication: a technique used in ancient Roman palazzo facades to add a rustic, almost an armoured appearance. This inspiration worked beautifully for a brand that has always taken pride in its rich Roman heritage. Within a few years, the Valentino Garavani Rockstud heel revolutionized the brand and became one of the most recognizable and profitable products in Valentino’s history, selling out at a speed of light.
In various interviews, Chiuri and Piccioli described that the Rockstud heels embodied a subversive romanticism and were designed to redefine femininity and romance through a contemporary lens.
Designs & Iterations
The iconic and versatile Rockstud heels feature signature pyramid studs on the strappy designs that are instantly recognizable for their pointed toes and multiple straps. The Rockstud collection includes signature caged pumps and ankle-strap sandals, with heel heights ranging from 60mm to 100mm.
The unique fusion heels are often crafted from patent leather, calfskin, or suede, and are also offered in a mélange of colour palettes, including high-shine options in gold, silver, and colourful metallic finishes. As one of the House of Valentino’s most renowned offerings, the Rockstud heels have also been upgraded and reimagined countless times since their inception, boasting a myriad of sizes, shapes, and designs.
For instance, in conjunction with its 10th anniversary back in 2020, the signature heels were introduced in updated designs and playful collaborations with various artists and designers. This significant iteration featured Rockstud ankle-strap pumps with matching tonal studs, along with new materials such as woven fabrics, laminated nappa leather, and pony-effect calfskin.
In addition, the Italian house also created Rockstud Satin Ballerinas and Flats with tone-on-tone studs for more edgy feminine looks.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Now, 16 years after their debut, the Valentino Garavani Rockstud heels are once again back, in which we see famous fashion editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) wearing the iconic Valentino Garavani Rockstud heels in a bold red tone in the trailer.
While some think it was an outdated inclusion, the Rockstud cameo was perhaps part of a strategic partnership by Valentino’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, whose vision is to bring back the once-worshipped heels for his pre-fall 2026 collection, according to Vogue Ardia.
“I had been working on this for a long time, and when the trailer for the film appeared and Miranda was wearing those shoes… I jumped out of my chair!” Michele said.
With its sleek metal toe cap, ankle strap, and razor-sharp silhouette balanced on an impossibly thin heel, the new Rockstud heels command attention in every step. And as Miranda Priestly once aptly declared, “Don’t be ridiculous, Andrea. Everybody wants to be us.”
Before the movie drops in May 2026, shop Valentino Garavani Rockstud heels only at MAYFEYR.
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