Steve Madden opens first store in Portugal

American men's and women's footwear and accessories brand Steve Madden has chosen Lisbon's Príncipe Real neighbourhood for the location of its first store in Portugal, which opened with a party at the end of September.

Founded by its eponymous designer in New York in 1990, Steve Madden continues to expand on the international market. Following the openings of four stores in Spain, the brand has landed in Portugal, deciding to open its first location in Lisbon due to the city's popularity with tourists and its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Príncipe Real was chosen because of its status as one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the Portuguese capital. 

The store has an urban vibe, and channels the vibrant, creative spirit of Steve Madden through a mixture of high-end and industrial materials.

The brand was started out of the back of a car in Queens, with an initial investment of no more than $1,100. The footwear label is now one of the best known labels in the US but, since 2016, has also become one of the leading brands in the sector in Europe.