modebranchen.NU no. 3 / July/August 2014 | Page 20

Artikel/article Steve Madden / Wiktor / retail price: 79,99 EUR Q&A with Ruben Clijsters Ruben Clijsters is the General Manager of MW Brands representing Steve Madden in Scandinavia, Germany, France and Benelux. and this goes for every single business nic founder and former CEO of Steven Madden, Ltd. He is now the creative director of the shoe empire he foun ded in 1990. In what way is he still important to Steven Madden, Ltd.? Working with the main collection, Steve Madden differentia partner too. So if you ask me if he’s impor tes to Madden Girl and Steven. tant, I would say that’s an understatement! Madden Girl as a ‘junior’ brand, also offers trend forward styles but at a lower price Steve has been able to attract very creative Madden brand itself is what drives the Steven is the opposite, offering more con and professional people to work for him. company. The brand is the creative engine temporary styles at about 20% higher pri It’s always a pleasure to see the same mo for trends for the other brands under the ces than the core brand. tivation from every single team member as umbrella. The brand stores in NYC are the The Steve Madden company also owns or from Steve himself. Nonetheless, Steve is test grounds for trend and style develop has licenses for Brian Atwood, Betsey John Steve Madden and vice versa. ments. This special setup makes the brand son, Freebird by Steven, Report Footwear, He’s involved in every asset of the business. unique and gives it a head start compared He even knows the name of all the styles _18 point. For a top selling heel sandal Steve company for about 5 years now, I must say Please line up the brands under the Steve Madden umbrella? Will we see new brands under the umbrella in the near future? The Steve to others. Along with the success of the Madden offers this around €99,99 and Madden Girl would be €49,99. The Madden Girl brand is also available in Scandinavia. a few. As a public company they don’t share