Steve Madden has been working hard lately. We recently reported his collaboration on Zac Posen’s moderately-priced Z-Spoke line, and it seems he has his sights on a new venture with pop star Katy Perry. Although she may have been dubbed too sexy for Sesame Street, it seems Steve thinks she is just the right fit for Seventh Avenue.

Known for her outrageous and buzzworthy sense of style it comes as no surprise that Madden has reportedly approached the singer with a proposition to collaborate on a “creative fashion collection” {Second City Style}.

Madden has also come to Betsey Johnson’s rescue after the designer suffered financial hardships. He generously loaned her the funds to get out of debt, leaving the Betsey Johnson empire basically under Madden’s control. This begs the question, is is possible that Perry’s crazy fashion sense will translate into the Betsey brand as well?

“Steve Madden is not taking over the company, and Betsey Johnson is not leaving the company,” Jonathan Friedman, Betsey Johnson’s executive vice president and chief operating and financial officer, told Page Six. {New York Post}

Either way, it’s a match that makes sense. Katy’s kitschy, colorful style (think Candyland figure youthful and brazenly bright) would compliment for Betsey Johnson, or add a bit of teen style to Madden’s own line. We can’t wait to see what the duo come up with.

On September 11th at New York Fashion Week, Madden debuted his first high-end collaboration for the Spring/Summer 2011 Z Spoke show for Zac Posen at Lincoln Center. The collection is truly unique and the sky-high, strappy numbers are fit for an eclectic and bold fashionista!

Making their Fashion Week debut, Madden’s shoes included metallic green (left) as well as black sky-high platform sandals with ankle straps and buckles, black peep-toe stiletto lace-up ankle booties, and ladylike lavender pumps with wicked heels. The line was made especially for the runway so it is unlikely we will see mall-goers rocking these elite styles- but we have no doubt that the man known for knockoffs will jump at the opportunity to reinterpret his own designs (at least he won’t have to worry about legal fees). {Stylelist}

Even model Ataui Deng wobbled in the tipsy footwear and fell victim to Fashion Week’s first tumble on the runway. {Refinery 29}

Tell us what you think about Steve Madden’s luxury footwear collaboration! Would you rock these styles?

Mouse over for brand and pricing information, click to buy.

First and foremost, you want to find a tie-dye pattern that doesn’t look too much like…tie-dye. The most common pattern associated with tie-dye is probably the basic spiral pattern, reminiscent of DIY tie-dye. To avoid the camp project look, try patterns that mimic purposeful prints, like animal prints or stripes. The MICHAEL Michael Kors top above mimics a giraffe print, making it more versatile and timeless.

Tie-dye prints with super bright colors can be tricky. While Proenza Schouler pulled them off with panache, it’s easy to overdo it and look more summer camp counselor than summer casual.

Subdued or neutral colors not only ensure that the print is easier to wear, but can help it transition to a look worn throughout the year. A simple and classic cut, like Steve Madden’s dress in a simple, no fuss shape, goes a long way. On shoes and accessories, look for leather (or leather-like) details and classic styling to add a bit of class.

If there are two shoe trends that every designer has jumped on, they would be beige heels and a kind of weird, but kind of cool sandal/boot hybrid. Beyond the heels, which obviously give you a lift, the lighter color of the beige heels supposedly gives legs an extra bit of length.

Now when it comes to the sandal boots, we aren’t quite sure what the inspirations is – cold ankles, perhaps? But scrolling through shoes recently, it’s been impossible to escape this new style of shoe. Maybe it’s a compromise for those people who refuse to stop wearing their flip-flops after summer’s over, maybe there are people who love boots and sandals too much to choose, but whatever the case, we’ve rounded up 9 of the best styles we found for each trend under $100.

Mouse over for brand and price, click on the shoe image to buy.

Read More {Fab Sugar}

Read More {NY Daily News}

The as-yet-unnamed line will be available in various department stores in spring 2010 and has as licensing partner L’Koral, which has among its repertoire 7 For All Mankind and Elizabeth & James.

In the aftermath of the recent Alexander McQueen plagiarism lawsuit, it will be interesting to see if the Steve Madden brand will be able to design creative yet saleable pieces without falling into a trap of monkey see, monkey do.

Read the full story {Crain’s NY Business}

While we have nothing against mass-market “inspiration” pieces, the shoe in question does come dangerously close to rip-off territory.
Read More {Shoe Blog}

Read More {Counterfeit Chic}