Rockstud Shoes Have Doubled Sales For Designer Valentino, We're Not At All Surprised

Bright or nude, printed or plain, heeled or flat, these shoes have gained a serious celebrity fan-base.

It's fair to say that Valentino's Rockstud shoes are among the most iconic of the decade.

Available in the form of studded and strappy spike-heeled stilettos, cute kitten heels, fabulous flats or even flip-flops, they've amassed quite a following among members of the A-list elite.

Emma Stone has been snapped wearing a number of different pairs (jealous) and Olivia Munn donned towering orange Valentino sling-backs for an appearance in New York in December.

Gigi Hadid accessorised her nude heels with a show-stopping coral dress for a recent DKNY event, while AnnaSophia Robb complemented her satin prom-style LBD with the black version for an Alice + Olivia style presentation back at the start of last year.

Reese Witherspoon has also proved that they can be worn with more casual outfits too by teaming hers with frayed jeans, a shirt and cable-knit jumper when she headed out to run errands.

They're also a firm favourite with influential bloggers including The Blonde Salad's Chiara Ferragni and Julie Sariñana of Sincerely Jules.

Now you know who's a fan, we're sure you won't bat an eyelid when we tell you that Valentino's sales have doubled since the Rockstuds release five years ago.

In 2014, revenue was up 36% with half accredited to accessories. A product that continues to sell out, it's not looking like they're going to be pulled from the shelves anytime soon.

'We never think to do something only for one season. We want to speak a language that speaks about style, and that becomes timeless,' Valentino's Maria Grazia Chiuri told www.Style.com.

'We think that now the designer has to find a new balance. Women now want something special, but to use every day — not only for special occasions.'

Love shoes as much as Valentino's oh so loyal customers? The new showcase at The Victoria &Albert Museum in London is sure to appeal.

Opening on 13 June 2015, Shoes: Pleasure And Pain will proudly display famous examples of innovative footwear from across the globe. Shoes from a host of designers like Mary Quant to Roger Vivier and Manolo Blahnik will be featured.

'This exhibition will consider the cultural significance and transformative capacity of shoes and will examine the latest developments in footwear technology creating the possibility of ever higher heels and dramatic shapes,' the V&A said after announcing the this year's subject back in September.

'Examples from famous shoe wearers and collectors will be shown alongside a dazzling range of historic shoes, many of which have not been displayed before.'

Exhibition curator, Helen Persson, added: 'Shoes are one of the most telling aspects of dress. Beautiful, sculptural objects, they are also powerful indicators of gender, status, identity, taste and even sexual preference. Our choice in shoes can help project an image of who we want to be.'

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain will run at London’s Victoria And Albert Museum from 13 June 2015 – 31 January 2016.