The most immediately identifiable Valentino signature? Rockstuds. More specifically, the Rockstud shoes that featured on the feet—and, failing that, the moodboard—of every fashion fan during our collective obsession era of 2016. It was rare to walk into any bar, office, or restaurant between 2014 and 2017 without spotting at least ten pairs, making them, really, a pop culture icon. Therefore their return—also anticipated in the initial The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailers—is certainly one to celebrate.
Add to that the numerous looks layered over skinny jeans, oversized sunglasses, and a heavy emphasis on costume jewellery, feathers, and sequins, and it's clear we are far from the only ones feeling nostalgic about our outfits from a decade earlier. For Valentino's 'Interferenze' Autumn/Winter 2026 show in Rome last night, creative director Alessandro Michele pulled out all the major style moments—a far more elevated take on the 2016 aesthetic—and merged them with his signature elaborate baroque flair. A mood that the impressive show venue echoed back beautifully.
