Footwear fashionistas flocked to Governor’s Square Mall on Saturday for an appearance from shoe mogul Steve Madden at Dillard’s. The designer responsible for brands like Steve Madden, Steven by Steve Madden, Madden Girl and Stevies was welcomed with open arms by shoe lovers.
Hundreds waited in anticipation for Madden to arrive in the women’s shoe department at 2 p.m. Madden’s loyal fans waited hours before just to be first in line for a meet and greet.
“I was excited. This is my first time seeing a designer in real life, and a new experience for me,” said A’eishe Spence, a 20 year-old criminal justice student from Miramar, Fla.
Faithful fans in line received totes embedded with the Steve Madden logo and a complimentary peace, love and shoes t-shirt inside. Fans were able to get their t-shirts signed by Madden, as well as an official autograph on their favorite Steve Madden shoes by the designer.
Madden wasn’t the only celebrity in attendance. TV personality Julissa Bermudez hosted the event and kept the crowd excited for his arrival.
Fans enjoyed music by a special guest DJ and Bermudez hung out with fans in the crowd. Cheers and applause were heard throughout the store as Madden prepared to take photos and sign autographs with each of his fans.
“It’s one of the best turnouts the company has had for an appearance like that,” said Dillard’s Assistant Store Manager Diana Corvin. “It was a great event, great for the community and great for our store.”
The Steve Madden brand varies from apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance and bedding and bath products. His company grossed $313.9 million this year in its third quarter earning sales, according to a news release by Steve Madden on his website www.stevemadden.com.
The earning results said net sales increased 70.5 percent compared to other retail stores that increased 13.2 percent for 2011. Madden is also the owner of other brands like Olsenboye and GLO for footwear and Daisy Fuentes for handbags.
The Steve Madden brand continues to evolve as the company ends the year with 82 retail locations, both national and international. From its main store in Manhattan all the way to Hong Kong, everyone gets to the chance to take a walk with Steve Madden.