Steve Madden Becomes Exclusive NA Licensee for Superga

Steve Madden has signed a deal with BasicNet S.p.A. to become the exclusive licensee for the Superga brand in North America. In addition, the company is pleased to have appointed Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen as creative directors of Superga 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.”