Every year our Outreach Producers set out to find the perfect Guest Designer to come to campus. Over the course of The Fashion Show’s history, our Guest Designer’s involvement has expanded and stretched beyond simply showing their collection on the runway. Iowa State hosts these brands on campus all week and gives students the opportunities to interact directly with the designers. This year, Julia Tighe and Abby Ashbacher had the goal of inviting and welcoming Steve Madden as the 2023 Guest Designer because of his revolutionary shoe designs. The Steve Madden brand is very influential for Iowa State students as Steve Madden was the innovator of bringing quality, designer footwear to people at a more affordable price. The Fashion Show teams have been incorporating the aesthetic and values of Steve Madden in all activities associated with The Fashion Show 2023. As a part of their visit, Steve Madden representatives have interacted with Apparel Merchandising and Design students in a lecture; engaged prospective high school students during “Behind the Scenes” Day; and created and judged a case study for Apparel Merchandising and Design students to receive scholarships. As a leading apparel design program, our students will have a future impact on the advancement of the apparel and retail industry. Steve Maddens’ impact on campus has encouraged students to engage in valuable learning opportunities and connect with a leader in the retail industry.