Latest news with #Madden
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
Steve Madden's Super Sharp Tariffs Takedown Goes Viral
It seems like the news about Donald Trump's tariffs is never-ending, and so are the stories of real-life Americans whose wallets are hurting because of them. One of the retail sectors being hit the hardest is the fashion industry because of how much it relies on overseas materials sourcing, manufacturing, and importing. So, perhaps no one is better poised to speak on the actual impact of Trump's tariffs than shoe designer and eponymous company founder Steve Madden. Madden recently appeared as a guest on the fashion podcast The Cutting Room Floor, hosted by designer Recho Omondi. A now-viral clip from their conversation has garnered 4.5+ million views and over 5,000 comments, largely praising his expert criticism of Trump's tariffs. At the beginning of the clip, Madden is finishing up a phone call. After he hangs up, the host asks, "But what's the drama, though?" He responds, "The tariffs." Omondi replies, "Oh, so the shoes are getting pricier." Madden says, "Shoes are going up. You can thank your government for that." After some light-hearted banter placing the blame on each other for Trump's election ("I didn't vote for him!" Omondi says), Madden says, "They fundamentally do not understand what they're doing." He then dives into the reality of US commerce with China in a way we don't hear explained often. "The notion is we've lost jobs to China, and we have. But we've picked up other jobs that we would not have had — better jobs, many better jobs — as a result of our relationship with China," he says. "Many more than we would have if they were in a factory making socks." "The iPhone being made in China — the success that that has created — there's probably hundreds of thousands of people working for Apple today in America as a result of them making those phones in China," he continues. "That they would not have had, they'd be in a fucking factory and it would be a third of the workforce." Madden goes on to tie the tariff conversation into another area of timely political discourse. "And at the same time, they're deporting the people that would fucking do it anyway." He also explains that some of the Americans supporting Trump's economic policies are "rich people that made money that didn't build anything, but they made money trading stocks and bonds and buildings. OK. Not hating," he says. "And we are the people that create commerce. The Apples, the Steve Maddens, the Uggs, the Ralph Laurens. We create the economy, and they're destroying it," he concludes. People were so for this level-headed read on how tariffs will actually hurt business. "You know what, Steve Madden shoes are not THAT uncomfortable," this person joked. Other people were laughing about Madden's seemingly obvious political leanings. "This is the best PR steve madden has ever done for his brand," someone wrote. Actually, that was basically the consensus. And this person summed it all up pretty perfectly. What do you think? Sound off in the comments.
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
How a Steve Madden podcast interview went viral — and paid off
Steve Madden has gone viral for his recent, no-holds-barred interview on "The Cutting Room Floor" podcast — and in the days following, the footwear company's stock price has also gotten a bump. Why it matters: Long-form interviews can be a risky public relations move, but when done right, they can attract new customers and generate business. Catch up quick: Madden sat down with fashion podcaster Recho Omondi to discuss the shoe empire he founded, his time in prison for securities fraud, his penchant for " dupes," the impact President Trump's trade policies could have on the fashion industry and more. Between the lines: For most executives, many of the topics Madden covered would be off-limits. However, Madden's unfiltered approach paid off by spotlighting his personal brand and offering insight into how the business runs. The interview is "a case study in how brands should just be themselves," Omondi said in a TikTok video. "They should just own everything, flaws and all, all their blemishes. So often, brands are so scared. You can't have a single real conversation with anybody from their brand." She called the Madden interview "refreshing" and an example of how important it is for brands to have personalities. Yes, but: The interview, which is behind a paywalled Patreon account, had a chance to go viral because Omondi offers video clips she posts across social. The interview clips have garnered about 24.6 million views on TikTok and thousands of views on YouTube as of Tuesday, with Gen Z podcast listeners flocking to watch them. A recent Edison Research report found 76% of Gen Z listeners say they discover podcasts through clips on social media. More than 600 media stories have been written about Steve Madden since the interview first dropped on May 21, per Muck Rack data, which likely caught the attention of an even broader consumer base. The big picture: Podcasts have become a preferred channel for executives and politicians to reach and appeal to specific audiences. During the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris joined " Call Her Daddy" and " All the Smoke," while Trump joined Joe Rogan, Lex Friedman and Theo Von. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg followed a similar playbook to Trump, while Elon Musk has also hit the same podcast circuit. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi have each joined " Masters of Scale," while Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser and SAP CEO Christian Klein recently appeared on "In Good Company." What they're saying: " Steve Madden's interview shows how podcasts have become the proving ground for public figures," says Andrew Vontz, founder of One Real Voice, a podcast coaching consultancy. "Talking-point robots are headed for the scrapyard. Madden clearly thought deeply about these topics and didn't duck and cover — he owned his story, and that's exactly what broke through."
Elle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Steve Madden Shoes Everyone's Adding to Their Cart
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. There are so many podcasts nowadays, it's hard for a single episode to cut through the noise, but that's exactly what Steve Madden did in his recent appearance on Recho Omondi's The Cutting Room Floor. And after going viral, Madden and his iconic brand are all anyone in fashion is talking about, myself included. Omondi's adept interviewing and Madden's unabashed honesty made for a refreshingly real conversation. The designer, who famously built the billion-dollar company from scratch and caused a scandal or two in doing so, backed his brand confidently—and with much success. In the aftermath, social media comments flooded with praise for his frankness. And then, with all the buzz around the man himself, the conversation shifted toward the products, which tend to be trend- or designer-inspired and reasonably priced around $100. It seems like the internet is collectively remembering why the label got so popular in the first place. And just like that, Steve Madden—the man and the brand—is back on top. After launching in 1990, the shoe and accessory brand quickly became a huge sensation and fashion favorite, sustaining this status for more than two decades. And if it fell out of the spotlight over the last five to 10 years, it's certainly back with a vengeance now. Madden has an impressive list of loyal fans. Lady Gaga wore custom boots for her Coachella performances and has continued sporting them for her recent Mayhem shows. The ranks also include Rachel Zegler, Selena Gomez, Jennie Kim, Jenna Ortega, Alix Earle, and of course, yours truly. Earlier this spring, I added this classic pair of black heels to my collection, and I get compliments every time I wear them. If you, too, are getting reacquainted with the brand, I've rounded up some of my favorite styles to shop now. Why Trust ELLE Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such. Shop More From ELLE
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Steve Madden's candid confession: Are his designs knockoffs?
Shoe brand owner Steve Madden. Image: TikTok Screenshot In a recent interview with fashion podcast The Cutting Room Floor, hosted by designer Recho Omondi, shoe mogul Steve Madden addressed long-standing criticisms of his brand being a "knockoff" label. Rather than shying away from the accusation, Madden responded, 'It's like calling the Beatles a knockoff band because they would take a little bit from Motown, and a little bit from Elvis,' Madden said during the interview. 'We design tons of shoes, but there's been the odd little shoe that I've nicked here and there.' To push the convo even further, Omondi brought out photos of iconic shoe designs by the Steve Madden brand and asked him to name the original source. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The first picture showed a pair of popular Alaïa's fishnet ballerina flats. He got it right instantly. 'Do you think that some of my girls even know who Alaïa is?' he joked. Honestly? Probably not. But they know a cute flat when they see one. Steve Madden version of the popular Alaïa flats. Image: TikTok Next was a sandal with a very familiar 'H' strap, which is clearly a nod to Hermès' famous Oran sandals. Madden didn't hesitate and responded, 'I have made so many of these shoes.' 'Obviously we know who it is. This is one of the greatest shoes in the world. We changed it a little bit.' Steve Madden Hermès sandal knockoff. Image: TikTok Then she showed him an image of a two-tone nude with a black cap-toe ballet flat. 'C'mon,' Madden said. 'I love those shoes. Those are inspired by Chanel.' Then came a pair of black horsebit loafer-style mules. 'This is not a copy,' he insisted. 'We do a lot of versions of this shoe. Many more than they do. Gucci, of course.' Steven Madden version of the popular Gucci shoe. Image: TikTok The only time Madden seemed stumped was when shown a pointed-toe slingback kitten heel with a three-buckle strap. 'I really don't know,' he admitted. When Omondi told him it was Miu Miu, his response was pure admiration: 'Is that Miu Miu? What a great brand Miu Miu is.' If you've ever walked through a mall or scrolled Instagram, you've probably come across a pair of Steve Maddens. The brand has been around since the early '90s. Madden started selling chunky platform shoes from the trunk of his car, and the brand exploded. Thanks to its ability to translate luxury runway looks into wearable, wallet-friendly versions, Steve Madden has remained popular for over three decades. Even though he spent some time in prison for financial crimes in the early 2000s, he managed to bounce back. And instead of pretending to be high fashion, he's leaned into his role as a brand that gives people what they want, even if it's 'inspired by' something with a four-digit price tag.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Bungling North Korean officials ‘face being shot' over humiliating Kim Jong-un warship disaster as 4th arrest made
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NORTH Korea has arrested a fourth official over last week's failed warship launch - with an expert warning that 'some people are going to be shot to death". The 5,000-ton naval destroyer ended up on its side in what Kim Jong-un slammed as a 'criminal act', blaming the disaster on "absolute carelessness" across multiple state institutions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Four officials have been arrested over the accident labelled a 'criminal act' by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un Credit: Reuters 5 A satellite image of the ship covered with a blue tarp after the accident at the shipyard in Chongjin, North Korea 5 The North Korean warship at the harbour before its failed launch Credit: AFP North Korean media reported that a fourth person has been arrested over the warship that was left badly damaged at a launch ceremony attended by Kim Jong-un on Wednesday. Three officials were arrested at the northern Chongjin shipyard over the weekend. Chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Han Kyong Hak, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hak were detained over the 'serious accident', state media reported. Speaking to The Sun, Michael Madden, founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, said: "North Korean authorities are investigating the production units involved so there much of the end result will be collective punishment." He said: "There is a chance to make it right. Of course, these people will have reduced or no pay during the time period (we have already seen that in DPRK earlier this year - and The Sun reported - with the local party officials). "Some people will lose their party memberships and be sent to jail for short sentences." But more alarmingly, "some people are going to be shot to death behind this," according to Madden. He explained that "because this made national news in the DPRK" and the Suryo'ng (supreme leader) was present, there is "sufficient motivation" to have workers and managers "witness the executions under the old principle of 'kill the chicken to scare the monkeys'." Madden added: "Another thing to note is the regime disclosed the ship launch failure. "They are getting out front of the story as some people say. "Kim Jong-un doesn't need outside observers making their own assessments simply to critique the North." Kim Jong-un said the fiasco had 'severely damaged the [country's] dignity and pride'. State media said the incident was 'a criminal act caused by absolute carelessness' and insisted those involved 'can never evade their responsibility for the crime'. 'No matter how good the state of the warship is, the fact that the accident is an unpardonable criminal act remains unchanged,' it added. Satellite images later revealed the massive warship lying on its side beside the launch dock, partially submerged at the stern with its bow resting on the harbour jetty. While it's unclear what exact punishment awaits the detainees, the authoritarian state's track record suggests it could be fatal. In the past, people have been executed by anti-aircraft guns or killed for infractions like falling asleep during rallies attended by Kim. People have also been jailed for a wide range of actions - from watching South Korean DVDs to attempting to defect. In February, dozens of party officials were reportedly punished for an embarrassing "drinking spree" that ended in a "major incident" at Ryonggang Hot Springs resort in North Korea's Onchon county. The incident was seen as a breach of the party's strict discipline and a threat to the authority of the Korean Workers' Party. Last year, North Korea admitted carrying out public executions in a rare admission of its treatment of prisoners. Executions were ordered for 30 officials in September after Kim accused them of failing to prevent flooding and landslides that killed 1,000 people. 5 Kim Jong Un and daughter Kim Ju Ae attended the the launching ceremony of a newly-built destroyer in April Credit: EPA
