Cute kitten-heeled pumps. They were preppy perfection with a pleated schoolgirl skirt and glam grunge with flannel patchwork jeans—no wonder Courtneys from this side of Cobain to the far reaches of Thorne-Smith had to have their Maddens. In 1990, Steve Madden turned old-school cobblers on their heels with youthful designs that transcended culture cliques. His reputation for trend-conscious collections that promised to suit the sudden shifts of every new season's apparel carried him comfortably through the millennium.
All was well until the SEC caught Steve and his coconspirators at Stratton Oakmont stacking the stocks of more than 20 companies, including Steve Madden Ltd. Eight million bucks in restitution and a 41-month stint in the pokey later, Madden is back. The brand took its leader's incarceration in stride and has continued to flourish. His many labels are certainly no worse for the wear, with an unmatched presence in the major department stores and boutiques nationwide.
Steve was frank, humble and optimistic at his open-forum talk in the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, fielding questions from WSA conventioneers and Madden enthusiasts. When asked if the tried-and-true fashion fallback "old Hollywood glamour" was his inspiration for this season's sexy open-toed slip-ons, Madden was quick to cite his newfound interest in hip-hop: "I was thinking more ... 50 Cent." But true to form, Madden's newest collection covers the full spectrum, from high-heeled patent leather in candy colors to flats in earth tones with a modern metallic inference.
Though Madden is always hot on the heels of every trend, his classic pump is still a staple. This season's version in an almond-shaped toe is superslick in shiny black patent. Ever in tune with his twentysomething fans, his collection includes fancy flip flops in gold-edged pastel kidskin and studded messenger bags from overnighter to over-the-shoulder.
His WSA booth abuzz with commerce, Steve caught a quick sound bite and was off to the Hard Rock for his welcome-back party. With belly dancers, tapas and plush VIP lounge, the gig was just grown-up enough for Steve's mature cronies, with plenty of play room for a Red Bull and vodka-fueled break-dance-off. The Killers topped the evening with a live set; Steve's people were certainly stoked, but no dancing. Watch the shoes, they're Maddens.
Jennifer Henry's got the goods on what to get & where. E-mail her at
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