Steven Madden Ltd. engages in the design, marketing, and sale of fashion-forward footwear for women, men, and children. It operates through the following segments: Wholesale Footwear, Wholesale Accessories and Apparel, Direct-to-Consumer, First Cost, and Licensing. The Wholesale Footwear segment includes branded and private label women's, men's, girl's and children's footwear. The Wholesale Accessories and Apparel segment consists of branded and private label handbags, belts and small leather goods, and cold weather and selected other fashion accessories. The Direct-to-Consumer segment distributes branded footwear, apparel and accessories directly to the consumer. The First Cost segment earns commissions and design fees for serving as a buying agent of footwear products to mass-market merchandisers, mid-tier department stores, and other retailers. The Licensing segment licenses its trademarks for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing, and sale of outerwear, hosiery, active wear, sleepwear, jewelry, watches, hair accessories, umbrellas, bedding, luggage, and men's leather accessories. The company was founded by Steven L. Madden on July 9, 1990 and is headquartered in Long Island City, NY.