Steve Madden Announces Agreement to Become the Exclusive Licensee for
the Superga(R) Brand in North America

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Sep 12, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Steve Madden (Nasdaq: SHOO), a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear and accessories for women, men and children, announced today that it has signed a deal with BasicNet S.p.A. to become the exclusive licensee for the Superga(R) brand in North America. In addition, the Company is pleased to have appointed Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen as Creative Directors of Superga(R) North America.

"We are excited to celebrate Superga's 100th birthday with the re-introduction of this beloved Italian footwear brand to the USA," said Ashley Olsen. "We hope to introduce a fresh perspective to this iconic collection, while honoring Superga's legacy of timeless design."

As Creative Directors, Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen will develop all creative and marketing initiatives and oversee retail lines of distribution for the Superga(R) brand. The Superga(R) brand's North American distribution is exclusive to premier department stores and high-end specialty footwear boutiques.

For Spring 2012, the partnership will include a co-branded initiative between Superga(R) and THE ROW, the luxury apparel and accessories brand created by Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. "THE ROW for Superga is a unique opportunity to collaborate with a time-honored brand that shares THE ROW's dedication to classic design, effortless luxury and exceptional quality," said Mary-Kate Olsen. THE ROW for Superga(R) collection will be made in luxurious materials and will be available in select points of sale where THE ROW collection is sold.

"Since I first went to Europe in the 80s, Supergas have been my favorite sneakers, " said Steve Madden. "I am thrilled to be involved with them and I am excited to collaborate with Ashley and Mary-Kate on a new project."

"The agreement reached with Steve Madden is an important step for the development of the Superga(R) brand in the North American markets, and the cooperation with Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen will allow us to better meet the tastes of the American customers," commented Franco Spalla, CEO of BasicNet, the worldwide owner of the Superga(R) brand. "We are pleased that the cooperation with Ashley and Mary-Kate will be extended to a new co-branded collection THE ROW for Superga(R), to be launched in the next Spring-Summer season."

About Steve Madden

Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its owned brands including Steve Madden, Steven by Steve Madden, Madden Girl, Stevies, Betsey Johnson, Betseyville, Report, Report Signature, R2 by Report, Big Buddha and Cejon, the Company is the licensee of various brands, including Olsenboye for footwear, handbags and belts, Elizabeth and James, Superga, l.e.i. and GLO for footwear and Daisy Fuentes for handbags. The Company also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. The Company's wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. The Company also operates 83 retail stores (including the Company's online store). The Company licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including for ready-to-wear, outerwear, intimate apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance and bedding and bath products.

About THE ROW

THE ROW, luxury apparel and accessories brand by Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, was launched in 2007 with a simple mission to make the perfect T-shirt. Getting its name from the historic Savile Row, THE ROW's aim is to offer an updated concept of bespoke tailoring to modern-day classics. In just five short years since its inception, the line has expanded to include a complete range of sophisticated essentials, from the perfect pair of leather leggings and evening dresses to elegantly tailored knitwear and outerwear. In the Spring of 2010, THE ROW grew to include sunglasses. THE ROW's style philosophy does not believe in trends, but rather places a sharp focus on clean lines, ultra-refined silhouettes and the perfect fit. THE ROW apparel is majorly manufactured in the USA, selling internationally in over 170 of the most exclusive retailers in the world.

About BasicNet

BasicNet S.p.a., with headquarters in Torino, Italy, is the Company listed at the Milan Stock Exchange, owner of the labels Kappa(R), Robe di Kappa(R), K-Way(R), Superga(R), AnziBesson(R), Lanzera(R) and Jesus Jeans(R). The Group is leader in the production and sale of for sportswear and leisure wear, also operating in the informal and sports footwear sector.

The Group BasicNet operates worldwide through an international network of entrepreneurs, licensees of the labels and distributors of the products, to whom the Group offers marketing services, research and development of the products through a sophisticated IT system.

SOURCE: Steve Madden

Investor Contacts for Steve Madden:
ICR, Inc.
Investor Relations
Jean Fontana or Joseph Teklits
203-682-8200
www.icrinc.com
212-529-5533
or
Press Contact for THE ROW for Superga(R):
Sheila Santos
PR Consulting
sheila@prconsulting.net
212-228-8181