When you think of the fashion icon of Steve Madden what comes to mind? For most people it would be heels, boots or simply high-end shoes. Now that I have seen the man behind the shoes, I realize that there are many more intricate qualities that give him his iconic edge.
College Fashionista’s founder Amy Levin held a Q & A session with Madden at Norman Hall at the University of Florida, also hosted by the retail society of the University of Florida. The event said that the doors would open around 5:20pm. I got there around 4:45, thinking I was going to be one of the first people there. Boy, was I wrong.
When I entered Norman Hall everyone was dressed in their finest, most fashionable Madden-worthy outfits. There was chatter of hopeful fashion bloggers hoping to give Madden their resumes. There were students decked out in all-Madden apparel. There were aspiring entrepreneurs waiting to hear some divine advice from the shoe God himself. If you were lucky enough to get a seat (like I did, yay!) you received your very own Steve Madden gift bag. Inside the bag was an “I’m with Steve” t-shirt, a luggage tag, a pen and highlighter and a free Uber ride to the event that would be happening later on at Oaks mall. College Fashionista founder Amy Levin then asked Madden questions as the rest of us sast in awe of the shoe God himself.
Amy Levin: Are there essential skills you need in order to be an entrepreneur?
Steve Madden: “You have to be able to multitask and you have to love what you do.” Madden then further explained that as an entrepreneur it can be lonely at times but it’s for the best. He also emphasized that nothing is more important than the project.
AL: Do you think you’re a perfectionist?
SM: “Perfectionism can paralyze you. It’s the most naïve people who are the most successful.” Madden described how the only people you need in your life are the people who support your dreams and ambitions.
AL: What are some of the failures that have happened in your life?
SM: “I went to prison for a couple of years. When you’re in prison you’re just trying to survive.” Madden isn’t proud of those 31 months behind bars, but advised the audience to choose their friends wisely.
The floor was then open for audience members to ask questions and engage with Madden after he discussed his love and passion for politics.
A night with Steve Madden can be simply be put into three words: inspiring, eye-opening and, of course, chic.
Photo Credit: Alex Ciccarone