In a recent interview for GURU, culture expert Mickey Boardman sat down with footwear legend Steve Madden at his Queens headquarters to discuss the businessman’s long standing obsession with shoes and the parallels between fashion and show business.
Madden, who views himself more as a producer or showman in the vein of David O. Selznick or Florenz Ziegfeld rather than just a designer, reflected on his early struggle to find funding. Despite being rejected by major industry players like Kenneth Cole, Madden eventually launched his business independently, famously selling shoes out of the trunk of his car before opening his first Broadway boutique in 1993.
The conversation touched on the evolution of the industry, noting the decline of traditional brick-and-mortar stores due to the rise of e-commerce. Madden revealed that roughly two-thirds of his retail business now happens online, with his company approaching a $3 billion valuation following the acquisition of Kurt Geiger.
Madden also spoke Candidly about his past, including his time in prison two decades ago. He described the experience as incredibly painful but credited that period of “complete darkness” with giving him the perspective and resilience necessary to sustain his success.
Despite his massive global reach, Madden remains focused on the creative core of the business. He noted that while social media influencers now drive trends more than traditional celebrities, his personal motivation remains simple: the pursuit of a “perfect” collection. Madden admitted that after decades in the industry, he is still searching for that elusive season where every single shoe is flawless.