AN INNATE SENSE OF ON-TREND, OF-THE-MOMENT STYLE—COUPLED WITH AN ETERNAL SENSE OF HUMOR—DEFINES THE BEHEMOTH BRAND THAT HAS BEEN BUILT BY THE ICONIC DESIGNER STEVE MADDEN.

His beginnings were, however, humble. A modest $1,100 investment in his brand in 1990—with a defining rock ‘n’ roll look with New York roots—kicked off a shoe collection that has since become one of the most recognized names in footwear. Today, Steve Madden is a global brand sold in over 80 countries worldwide, with footwear for men, women, and kids plus handbags and accessories.

Here, Madden chats exclusively with EB on everything from his passion for high-quality, on-trend eyewear—which he produces with ClearVision Optical—to his fav specs designs of the moment. Read on for an insider look at Madden’s world…

EYECARE BUSINESS: Why is eyewear (like footwear) a crucial accessory to complete a look?

STEVE MADDEN: I think glasses are more important than ever for both men and women right now. It is one of the final pieces you put on. It can give any outfit that added cool factor, very similarly to footwear. It seems like the librarian look is cool, plus glasses can really break up the face.

EB: What is the heart and soul of your company—and how is this parlayed into your eyewear collection?

SM: The team we have built here at Steve Madden is incomparable. Our aim has always been to make cool shoes at affordable prices. With eyewear, it’s no different.

EB: What drew you to eyewear to complete your brand’s product offering?

SM: We are in the accessories business, and eyewear is a popular item people purchase all year round.

EB: What inspires you most with eyewear design?

SM: I pull inspiration from everywhere: music, people walking in the streets, my kids—I’ve never been afraid to stop someone and ask for a photo if I liked something they’re wearing.

EB: What is your favorite eyewear look this season for men and women?

SM: I’ve liked seeing the same trends from footwear translate to eyewear—anything translucent, reflective, or metallic. I’ve also seen square-shaped lenses that I am very into.

EB: Beyond eyewear, what are you most excited about right now at Steve Madden?

SM: We recently started a program here at Steve Madden Men’s, called Self Made, in which I become involved with young entrepreneurs from various fields of work. We are going to be expanding the program this fall to include other cities such as Los Angeles and Miami, and we will be incorporating female entrepreneurs.