Actress, and Style Icon, Rachel Bilson Partners With Celebrity Stylist, Nicole Chavez, Footwear Designer, Steve Madden and Next Gen Social Commerce Company, BeachMint, to Launch Exclusive Online Brand, ShoeMint

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Announced today, Rachel Bilson and her long time celebrity stylist, Nicole Chavez, have partnered with award-winning fashion expert and footwear designer, Steve Madden and BeachMint, the leading social commerce company, to launch ShoeMint.com. ShoeMint, the newest affordable luxury brand in the growing BeachMint family, will offer its namesake footwear collection exclusively on BeachMint's social commerce technology platform. ShoeMint's debut collection will exude Rachel's signature style and Nicole's fashion expertise, and embody Steve's extraordinary craftsmanship and design.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111006/LA81797)

Rachel previously served as designer for collaborations with DKNY Jeans and Macy's for her homeware line, Edie Rose.  ShoeMint marks her first footwear collection.  "As a designer, I'm always exploring new mediums and footwear is a category I've always been very passionate about, especially since I'm only a size 5.  It's even more exciting to launch a collection online with one of my closest friends and stylist, Nicole, as well as with an industry leader like Steve Madden," stated Bilson.  "More and more, people are shopping for shoes online and with BeachMint, I have the opportunity to design not just the shoes, but the full experience for our customers, which feels more personal and rewarding for me."

Chavez, whose client list includes such celebrities as Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Simpson, Nikki Reed, and Kristen Bell, among others, is excited about the partnership. "As a stylist, my clients have such diverse style so my approach is about empowering women to let their style be an extension of who they are. Shoes are so personal and say a lot about who you are. Rachel and I are obsessed with shoes, so ShoeMint is an exciting opportunity for us to create a collection we love for every woman's style."

Madden commented, "I'm thrilled to be working with BeachMint and a style icon like Rachel Bilson on this new social commerce brand. Rachel is this generation's Jane Birkin. She has that innate, effortless style. I am so excited to design ShoeMint with her. But unlike the bag named after Jane, there won't be a six month wait for the Bilson!"

ShoeMint.com will launch this Winter/Holiday in preview as the latest brand of BeachMint's growing family of online brands, including JewelMint.com with Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist, Cher Coulter, StyleMint.com with Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, and BeautyMint.com with Jessica Simpson and celebrity skincare expert, Nerida Joy.  As with all of BeachMint's online brands, ShoeMint members will receive personalized selections each month matched to their Style Profile, along with trend reports, videos, and style tips.

CEO Josh Berman commented, "We are ecstatic about our partnership with Rachel.  She is admired for her incredible style and we're thrilled to be a part of her growth as a designer and to have her in the BeachMint family. Rachel was our first Celebrity Curator for JewelMint so it's exciting to expand our relationship with her into a BeachMint brand." President Diego Berdakin adds, "BeachMint's expertise in social commerce and marketing combined with Rachel's signature style, Nicole's fashion expertise and Madden's craftsmanship, will create a premium, quality shoe collection with an extraordinary shopping experience for our members."

About BeachMint

BeachMint is a venture backed e-commerce company for celebrity-curated direct to consumer sites, founded by serial tech entrepreneurs, Josh Berman (Co-Founder MySpace) and Diego Berdakin. BeachMint launched their first brand, JewelMint.com, with Kate Bosworth in Oct, 2010.

About Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson is enjoying a successful and continually developing acting career on both big and small screens.  She can currently be seen in the CW series "Hart of Dixie" playing the lead role of 'Zoey Hart.'  She also recently wrapped the independent film "L!fe Happens" opposite fellow Mint-designer, Kate Bosworth.  In 2008, she released her own clothing line called Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans.  Currently in stores, Bilson designed a line of house ware products for Macy called Edie Rose Home.  

About Nicole Chavez

An inspired visionary, Nicole Chavez began her career in the costume/wardrobe department of the Fox Network series "The OC."  The trend-setting show would be the launch pad for Nicole's distinguished success as one of the Hollywood Elite's most highly sought after stylists.  Nicole has since been the recipient of the award for 'Star Stylist Extraordinaire' at the Hollywood Style Awards in recognition for her exemplary work in styling, as well as also having been named one of the 'Top 10 Superstar Stylists' by Forbes.  While Nicole's 'expert advice' remains a highly coveted commodity by a myriad of world-wide media outlets, publications and on-line fashion sites, her established relationships with today's top designers along with her keen eye for detail and fit have firmly landed Nicole at the forefront of fashion.

About Steve Madden

A man who wears many hats -- and shoes, Steve Madden cannot be described in one word.  He is an entrepreneur, an award winning designer, a business titan and of course, a family man.  He's walked the line both there and back without forgetting his humble beginnings or his core consumer, resulting in millions of adoring fans worldwide. Considered the fashion footwear mogul of the 21st century, Madden has an innate sense of what's hot, what's next, what's exciting and more importantly, how this will translate to his consumer. Inspired by rock and roll, fused with a jolt of sex appeal and urban edge, Madden creates shoes that are innovative, fun, sometimes wild and always spot-on-chic.

About Steve Madden, Ltd.

Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its owned brands including Steve Madden, Steven by Steve Madden, Madden Girl, Stevies, Betsey Johnson, Betseyville, Report, Report Signature, R2 by Report, Big Buddha and Cejon, the Company is the licensee of various brands, including Olsenboye for footwear, handbags and belts, Elizabeth and James, Superga, l.e.i. and GLO for footwear and Daisy Fuentes for handbags. The Company also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. The Company's wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. The Company also operates 83 retail stores (including the Company's online store). The Company licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including for ready-to-wear, outerwear, intimate apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance and bedding and bath products.

SOURCE ShoeMint.com