Steve Madden Bets on Men’s Business and Celebrates Brand’s Origins in Fall Campaign

Steve Madden is betting on its men’s business and celebrating its history.

The brand looked back to its roots in the fall 2026 campaign “It Started With a Trunk,” referencing the founder’s early days in 1990 when he sold shoes out of his trunk one pair at a time from his red early-1980s Nissan B11 Sentra. With no storefront or backing operation, he started his shoe business with $1,100 in the bank, and the Sentra became his first point of sale.

More from WWD

Steve Madden “It Started With a Trunk” campaign.Courtesy of Steve Madden

The fall 2026 campaign brings the origin story to the current day through cars, men’s fashion and footwear. Valentino Dior, Henry Mouw and Geo Caceres star in the campaign, which doesn’t simply recreate the past but points toward where the men’s business is going 36 years later.

There’s data to support the growth of Steve Madden’s men’s category. Year-to-date in 2026, e-commerce demand for the men’s business has increased 41 percent in comparison to the same period last year. The men’s lineup is also carried in 33 of the brand’s 42 full-price stores located in the U.S.

Meanwhile, wholesale distribution has been bolstered by a renewed partnership with Nordstrom and a new partnership with Revolve, both of which speak to Steven Madden’s investment in men’s and its intent to reach fresh customers.

Steve Madden “It Started With a Trunk” campaign.Courtesy of Steve Madden

In regard to men’s styles driving demand, the brand has witnessed a change. Sneakers were at the top of the category in 2024, but loafers have exceeded them in volume to represent about one-third of the men’s business. Boots, meanwhile, are a still a consistent category.

Steve Madden “It Started With a Trunk” campaign.Courtesy of Steve Madden

Two days ahead of the campaign launch, Steve Madden men’s teamed up with Wheels of NYC to pay homage to the brand’s origins. For the Oct. 17 Fall Edition show, Wheels of NYC sourced a 1983 Nissan B11 Sentra, Madden’s original car model he sold shoes from in 1990; this marked a full-circle moment for the campaign and bridged two eras.

Steve Madden highlighted women’s styles in another fall 2026 campaign called “Ask Steve,” in which the founder fixes shoe emergencies.

Best of WWD