Steve Madden Kept It Real — And It Worked

The OG Shoe Designer is going viral for the right reasons.

Yerrr, what’s up everyone! Today’s letter shares thoughts on Steve Madden’s viral interview, young consumers choosing content creators over traditional TV & movies, the Success of Streamer University, Pinterest and New York Liberty’s new partnership, Nike x Lego, and more! Additionally, I’m sharing a round-up of social posts/trends exclusively for paid subscribers.

Let’s Get it

---

FAVORITE CONTENT OF THE WEEK

nygiants

A post shared by @nygiants

This post, capturing the New York Giants debate on how a Giraffe should wear a necktie, is hilarious. Giant’s social team executed the ‘This or That’ format perfectly, and I appreciate how they incorporated visuals for added context. Simple and effective.

---

BRANDS, COLLABORATIONS, AND CULTURE

• Steve Madden’s recent sit-down on The Cutting Room Floor podcast is going viral. Not because he said something outrageous or displayed wild behavior, but because he showed up as himself. 100% real with no filter, just Steve being true to himself. And it worked.
  
  His aura was off the charts.

  

  @tcrfff🎙️S6 EP6: @stevemadden !#stevemadden #fashionpodcast #thecuttingroomfloor #onlyonpatreon #patreon

  Tiktok failed to load.
  
  Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser

  
  For many younger consumers, this was the first time they heard Steve Madden speak. And what they got was a raw, thoughtful, charismatic founder who told the full story: from growing up in Long Island to doing a 2.5-year bid in jail, from knocking off luxury shoes to building a billion-dollar business.
  
  He didn’t dodge questions. He didn’t duck any smoke. He answered everything with confidence, transparency, and a vibe that resonated with people. The interview has sparked a ton of reactions on TikTok, expressing their appreciation for Steve and the brand. They loved his transparency.
  
  But why?
  
  The truth is: people shop with brands they believe in. Values, transparency, and authenticity drive loyalty.
  
  

  

  @mskellylatelySteve Madden knew every shoe #stevemadden #dupes #shoes

  Tiktok failed to load.
  
  Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
  

  @lanaladonnano ad coulda ever sold me on @stevemadden like that pod did @The Cutting Room Floor #fyp #foryou #lanaladonna #thecuttingroomfloor #stevemadden #fashionpodcast

  Tiktok failed to load.
  
  Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser

  If you’re not standing for something as a brand, you’re wasting your time. Consumers won’t care. It’s essential to communicate your values and consistently uphold them through every marketing touchpoint, especially on social media.
  
  I believe Steve’s interview serves as a blueprint for founders and CEOs in the content era. If your founder has a great, compelling story and a strong POV, have them share it. Collaborate with the right creators and podcasts. BE REAL

• Pinterest just made its first move into sports, and they didn’t choose just any team. They partnered with the New York Liberty, one of the most culturally influential teams in the W.
  
  With searches for “WNBA tunnel outfits” up 2,000% on Pinterest, this partnership is all about turning moments of fandom into lifestyle inspiration. From game-day fits to wellness routines, the Liberty and Pinterest are tapping into the aesthetic and culture around the sport.
  

  

  
  Pinterest and Liberty will bring fans closer to the action with content series, community outreach programs, in-arena activations, and on-platform experiences.
  
  I think Brands that have an ownable, clear cultural presence or community should be looking at Pinterest. It’s where people go to visualize who they want to become. If your brand plays in lifestyle, sports, retail, or fashion, tap in with Pinterest.