Talk about being on trend. As the viral conversation around the Roman Empire reached a fever pitch — on TikTok, the hashtag has racked up more than a billion views — Italian designer Gianvito Rossi debuted his spring ’24 collection at Milan Fashion Week on Friday. Its starting point? Rome and its rich history.

“The last time I was in Rome, I thought about how beautiful it is — and what a great inspiration and story we have there,” Rossi said. “I tried to bring some elements of [its history] into the collection.”

Some of the most iconic symbols of Ancient Rome are revived in Rossi’s styles. Gold stiletto sandals call to mind the wristbands worn during the glory days of the Roman Empire. And the theme is also clear in a gladiator sandal, where golden laurels — the symbol of victory and honor — envelop the leg. The floral embellishment also adorns an ultra-feminine pointy-toe sandal style.

The stiletto sandal calls to mind the wristbands that were often worn during the Roman Empire era.

Other standout details include a 3D flower, in metallic leather, which dresses up the designer’s classic mule.

Elsewhere in the collection, oversized round buckles define a number of key styles, from gladiators to platforms. And Rossi always manages to offer wearable, elegant designs — there were low-heeled slingbacks and flats in the spring collection — with details that sets him apart from other designers.

Differentiation is key as the brand — which reported overall sales of 99 million euros in 2022 — embarks on its next chapter. This summer, Rossi sold a majority stake to Richemont, an “important” move for the future of the brand, according to the designer.

“We found that we share common values, attention to quality and the ambition to deliver the best product worldwide,” Rossi said of his new parent company. (The designer retains a stake.)

The new partners will continue to build Rossi’s retail presence, which has grown to 39 doors around the world.

Golden laurels define this Rossi spring ’24 sandal.

The designer recently refurbished his boutiques in Miami, Tokyo, London and Rome — and is set to open two new doors in the Middle East — in the Al Faisaliyah Mall in Riyadh and The Avenue in Kuwait.

The label is also growing in Europe, in markets that include Switzerland and Germany, and is looking to capitalize on the post-pandemic recovery underway in Asia. Rossi recently opened in Shenzen, China and Hanoi, Vietnam.