You know the one.
The shoe wrapped in studded straps, sharp to touch and what once was largely known to be iconic to wear. Whoever said they weren't anymore? Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada 2 walks fabulously in a pair of studded pumps and it has a lot of people talking.
The Valentino Garvavani Rockstud pump comes in many different shapes in sizes since its debut in 2010. Maria Grazia Chirui joined Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino in 2008, leaving the brand to become the first female creative director at Dior. Now, say what you want about Maria Grazia, but she played a huge role in turning around Valentino’s value. The aftermath of introducing the Rockstud generated over 100 million dollars to the company.
This small but powerful little stud was inspired by an Italian architectural technique, bugnato. A decorative finish used on buildings and walls reminiscent to the Renaissance. With the practice of masonry, the rock is grooved and given an appearance that is pyramid like. The Italian brand flexed this Italian historical form of architecture and put it on a shoe! And...it worked. The brand to this day is known for this detail and puts a stud on almost anything they can: bags, belts, flip flops, etc. We call this, a brand code.
We all know how iconic this shoe grew to be in the 2010s, the age of Instagram and Tumblr aesthetics. If you had the money to afford the designer shoe, without thought you purchase them and you wore them! Dressed up or dressed down, all women from preppy to punk styles showed their support. I'll never forget the countless of paparazzi photos in the tabloids, at top of mind were the Kardashians, Hiltons, Housewives, socialites, etc.
But what happened? Where did the distaste for the shoe come from as a majority? I know. Because a majority don't truly appreciate or understand the important of iconography on certain fashion pieces. You can't deny the iconic symbolism of the Valentino Rockstud heel and that calls for respect.
People care more about trends, what's in, what's hot. Unfortunately I cannot. I care more about the significance in fashion and especially about pieces that influences a whole decade. You don't have to wear it or get it, but please, PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT. People love to say they care and understand fashion when they're even quicker to jump on the trend train without an individual opinion first.
If that is you I will make this much easier for you, simply don't wear them! No one is asking for you to wear them so please don't have an opinion on them either if it's just the same as what's trending on the front lines in social media. People are freaking about the resurgence of the Valentino Rockstud heels, and I say let them!! Let's all pause and remind ourselves. Fashion is fun, no one is forcing you to wear what you don't want, and lastly, did they ever even leave?
I myself stopped by Valentino to further investigate and I can confirm it is a majority understanding that these shoes are iconic, forever. Clients are coming in specifically for this shoe. Answers were struggling to be found when I asked which my first pair should be, we came to the conclusion that all black, matte or patent, is the perfect introductory pair. And naturally, how chic are they with my vintage 1980’s rabbit fur coat? Undeniable. No one is asking you to wear these fabulous heels with a peplum top!
If you're like me who's always dreamt a of a pair, it's time to deep dive those second hand apps or treat yourself to fresh pair. And if you're a true lucky diva, shamelessly walk all over those streets.
That's all.