The Steve Madden shoe brand was established in New York in 1990, and since that time has shot to be the leading shoe designer in the United States, setting fashion trends on runways, in schools, and in offices. One of the hallmarks of the Steve Madden design is the reformatted platform heel in women's shoes. Born from the thick chunky heels of the 70s, the Steve Madden platform is steeper, slimmer and sexier, simultaneous with being both more comfortable and more stable. The design was an instant sensation, and the Steve Madden brand burgeoned to include more designs for men, women and children, along with a brand new line of apparel and accessories.