London-based designer Craig Green has been enlisted by Valentino Garavani to rework, debut, and release the Rockstud X sneaker. Available in black, gray, khaki, or white, the silhouette draws heavily from Valentino’s design legacy and language, but is quintessentially Craig Green at the same time thanks to its minimal yet technical nature.The collaboration celebrates 10 years of the Valentino Garavani “Rockstud” accessory line, which brought dimension and architectural design to familiar products. From high heels to sneakers and even wallets and chains, the “Rockstud” has appeared on almost all of Valentino’s creations at least once — but never has the design been used to quite literally form the object at the same time.This is what Craig Green has done with the Rockstud X. Its sole unit features a rockstud-constructed, crucifix-shaped design that sees a full rockstud on the top round, and a downwards-pointing triangular rockstud beneath it towards the lower half, making up some of the outsole.Working up from here, we find a rubber band that reads “Craig Green x Valentino Garavani” on the lateral side towards the rear-quarter, and this band then wraps around the shoe’s entire perimeter. As for the sneaker itself, it’s low-cut and despite featuring a set of tactile round laces, is actually a slip-on. It’s made from a finely woven, almost perforated-looking mesh that’s breathable yet structural and supportive. A set of webbing tongue and heel loops rounds out the pair.Take a look at the Craig Green x Valentino Garavani Rockstud X sneaker above, and pick up all four colorways now from Dover Street Market London (where there is also an in-store installation), as well as from its accompanying website for £810 GBP a pair (approx. $1,140 USD).In case you missed it, check out HYPEBEAST’s latest installment of Sole Mates. This time around, we speak to Rhuigi Villaseñor about the PUMA Suede.Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST
