Fashion mogul and self-made entrepreneur Jessica Rich rose to notoriety after debuting her first collection, TRANSPARENT, in 2018.

Named in reflection of the clear stiletto design, TRANSPARENT was created with the intention of providing an it-girl shoe that exuded confidence, independence, and encouraged those who wore it to be unapologetically themselves. In between modern design and unique artisanship is Rich’s stylish, chic, sexy and wearable footwear, which has been worn (and is loved by) high-profile celebrities of all calibers; from Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashians, to Heidi Klum, Sydney Sweeney and Cardi B, just to name a few.

In November 2022, Jessica was awarded the Footwear News Emerging Designer of the Year Award, which was previously awarded to the likes of Amina Muaddi, Christian Louboutin, and many other notorious designers.

Through the support of major department retailers such as Nordstroms and Bloomingdales . The brand also launched in KITH in 2023. Jessica continues to rise through the means of authentic designs, business prowess, tenacity, and savvy collaborations, such as the one she launched with the mogul himself Steve Madden in March 2024 in various retail stores nationwide.

Jessica Rich is proud to represent Black Footwear designers, with her mission being to push the boundaries of the fashion industry and inspire and encourage others, especially females living in America, to reach for their dreams and never give up.

JESSICA RICH X Steve madden

Jessica Rich and Steve Madden’s anticipated collaboration launched on 3.14.24 offering a range of heels, sandals, and sneakers. The collection consisted of 15 styles, with standouts including the iridescent Nova platform sandal, designed with a lucite heel and Rich’s signature PVC detailing. Other notable looks from the collaboration included the Aurora, a kitten heel with an enlarged chained bow; the Stardust, Rich’s take on Steve Madden’s iconic Slinky slide; and the Luna sneaker, featuring a rhinestone tongue.

“This is beyond a dream come true,” Rich told FN. The designer, who took home the Emerging Talent Award at the 2022 FN Achievement Awards, first launched her eponymous brand in 2017 and had been on the rise ever since. Over the past few years, Rich made her mark in the footwear industry with a collection of ultra-sexy heels that caught the eye of influential tastemakers like Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Jenner. With this collaboration hitting shelves, Rich felt it was a stamp of approval. She added, “Steve Madden believing in me and my brand is validation.”

“She’s a young woman trying to make her way, and I dig that,” said Madden on their partnership. “She’s great. She’s a big talent. [As an entrepreneur], it’s hard [to break out] because it’s hard to get money these days. And so we were able to do that.”

With this line, Rich said she was able to “just go for it” when it came to designing a full breadth of footwear. This marked her first time offering sneakers and more casual styles than she had with her own brand. “Now people can see what I’m capable of, and I’m so excited,” she said.

The collection retailed from $99 to $160 and was available for purchase at Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Zappos, Amazon, and SteveMadden.com.