Photo: Alberto Reyes/WENN
Steve Madden has to be one of the most unassuming designers in the industry. As a 23-year veteran of the shoe business, Madden has become one of the most recognized brands in the country. As a $1.2 billion firm, Steven Madden Ltd., he has stores, employees and shoes all showing his eponymous name.
In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, the designer talks about his success and fails –like spending time in prison ten years ago for stock fraud– all with a philosophical tone. We were most surprised at his desire to accomplish more with such a cornered market.
On if he’s happier with his family life: “I have a good family, that’s for sure. I guess I’m happy. It’s sort of an existential moment for me. You get to a certain age, you have success and you try to keep it going. … One thinks when they get a certain amount of money, that’s going to get them a pass into the happy club.”
On showing up in his stores: “Not as much as I would like to be. I wish I could put on a wig so no one would know who I am. I’ve started to introduce myself to my customers right away. I love watching their reaction. No one believes it’s me. I don’t look like a typical designer. People say I’m just a regular guy. I guess I would describe myself as Proust meets Tony Soprano.”
On using Twitter to connect with customers: “I had to stop. I was getting too political and it wasn’t fair to [project] those beliefs online. I’m left-leaning and I don’t want to turn conservative consumers off. It wasn’t fair to my employees, either. At the end of the day, I’m just a cobbler.”
On who his dream clients are: “Jesus. And Mary Magdalene. I would love to make pumps for her. It would be interesting to collaborate with some of those pioneering rock ’n’ roll women like Janis Joplin, who was somewhat of a tragic figure. She didn’t know how iconic she was when she died, but she inspired so many people.”
To read the full interview, go here.