We don't talk enough about Valentino Rossi's style

If you search on Google for Valentino Rossi's style, hundreds of results describe the rider's “stance,” how he learned to adapt to changes in MotoGP, his rivals, and how he managed to become a nine-time World Champion throughout his career. However, if you search online for Valentino Rossi’s fashion, you will find an endless array of caps, t-shirts, sports suits, and VR46 motorcycle stickers in the Doctor's favorite colors: electric blue, green, and fluorescent yellow. A couple of online searches quickly reveal the impact Valentino Rossi has had on the world of MotoGP and street style; however, not many know that the rider was also a star of ‘90s streetwear, sporting Air Max 95s, full denim looks, technical fabric bucket hats in green (years before Frank Ocean did). In short, the Doc is a champion both on and off the track.

Like all kids who grew up in the ‘90s (Valentino Rossi was born on February 16, 1979), the Doctor’s style followed the cutting-edge sports fashion of the time, but with an extra edge. On his wrist, he wore G-Shock watches in all colors, a classic of the digital revolution era; on his face, sporty sunglasses in total black or silver by Oakley. As a kid, he wore tons of oversized t-shirts with Looney Tunes prints (after all, the cult movie Space Jam with Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny was released in 1996) and graffiti-style lettering, including the most iconic one, “No Fear.” Under the helmet, young Valentino Rossi's hair was as rebellious as he was—blond and long, or shaved and dyed in all colors, from bright green to platinum, including black-and-white split-dye. As a true streetwear fan, the Doctor's wardrobe was filled with a vast collection of Nike Air Max 95s but also Air Jordan 1 Retro Highs, Vans, Converse All Stars, and Oakley Flesh Sandals.

If sneakers, sunglasses, oversized t-shirts, and baggy jeans reflect American influences on Valentino Rossi’s style—his MotoGP debut was in 1996 at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the same year Space Jam was released—then denim, paninaro-style jackets, and even that time he dyed his hair with white, red, and green stripes perfectly express his Italian DNA. Beyond his off-track style, Valentino Rossi’s truly chaotic, irreverent, and never predictable personality has always shone on two wheels. From the Sepang 2014 helmet, decorated with the Doc’s wide-eyed expression on the back, to collaborations with designer Aldo Drudi for Mugello, there are countless details that have made number 46 an enduring icon in the history of motorcycling and beyond. Even in this case, his Italian identity has been evident time and again in his stylistic choices, such as when he asked Drudi to cover his helmet with rigatoni to reference «Vale’s pasta is never overcooked»—a phrase that referred to the fact that, as the years passed, Rossi remained unbeatable. However, the Doc’s ironic style should not be mistaken for superficiality: as designer Drudi once explained, all of Rossi’s stylistic choices were made with a specific purpose in mind. «A special helmet helps him get into the race atmosphere, which is why it must be made to perfection. When everything is done perfectly, including the helmet, the race is won.»