Slay, Nena! Cardi B And Steve Madden Team Up To Blow Our Minds (And Feet)

Before the year comes to a close, Cardi B managed to make another money-making move by collaborating with iconic shoe designer, Steve Madden.

In 2017, the Bronx native rapper became the first female rapper to have a number 1 song chart and lead the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998.

She also got engaged to Migos rapper Offset and headlined numerous festivals, concerts, and award shows.

Cardi B's Hustle

Aside from achieving greatness in her personal and professional lives, Cardi B's innate style made her fashion's it-girl. However, those who religiously follow the Caribbean-American beauty know when she debuted on the scene via VH1's Love & Hip-Hop, fashion designers didn't think she was good enough to be spotted in their clothes. That is until Cardi proved them wrong.

Teen Vogue reports by way of Business Of Fashion that internet searches for Christian Louboutins increased by 217 percent when Cardi B released her hit single, "Bodak Yellow."

"These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes," she rapped about the French designer's shoes.

Designer Christian Louboutin revealed he didn't know who Cardi B was when interviewed by The New York Times this past October. However, designer Steve Madden knew and adored her, therefore, pushing him and his fashion house to create magic with the 25-year-old artist.

Securing The Bag And Shoes

In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Cardi B (born Belcalis Almanzar) opened up about why her business deal with Steve Madden benefits her, her fans, and the reason she wants her line to be economical for everyone.

"All of this came about because I keep bringing up to my manager, I want to work with brands that are affordable. And are chic but good quality. I don't want to work with a brand that is like 'Yeah they make shoes or yeah they make clothes but it's like...cheap, not good to wear,'" she told Teen Vogue's Jessica Andrews.

When asked if she wore Steve Madden while growing up in New York City, the female rapper shared that her love affair with shoes began when she was a teenager. She wanted a pair of Steve Madden thigh-high boots to wear with a turtleneck dress, so she made her boyfriend at the time purchase them for her.

Since then, Cardi has devoutly followed the brand, noting Steve Madden has remained consistent in making footwear that's long-lasting. She also fell in love with Steve Madden because of its affordability.

People from Bronx's inner city where she's from cannot afford high-end shoes, so it was imperative for her to collaborate with a designer people from similar neighborhoods could have access to.

What To Expect In 2018

When it comes to what to expect from the musician in 2018, Cardi B said she plans on making even better music, growing her relationship with Offset and designing the hottest gear with Steve Madden.

"I'll still be with the same man, and just keep evolving: evolving in music, evolving in fashion. I'll probably be getting into new projects, keep putting out hot stuff with Steve Madden...fashion that's different but still wearable and affordable as well."

Below are some flicks from Cardi's Steve Madden campaign. Purchase shoes from Cardi B's line here.

Tags

Cardi B, Bodak Yellow, Teen vogue, Love and Hip Hop New York