Steve Madden coming to Charlotte

You love his shoes, now meet the man behind those fabulous kicks.

Steve Madden, the man behind the genre-crossing shoe line, will be at Belk SouthPark on 2-3:30p Saturday, Sept. 26, along with BET VJ Julissa Bermudez. There will be giveaways, trend talk and free T-shirts, among other goodies. The party will be on the third floor in the ladies shoe department.

This should come as no surprise, but I have adored his shoes since the mid 1990s, when I was a recent college grad and obsessed with a pair of Spice Girls-esque fat-heeled, platform, ruby-red patent loafers. (Cut me some fashion slack -- that was the look then!)

I still have my suede, wooden-heeled platform Maddens I wore on my first trip to Italy ages ago, and I love them just as much as I do the rad slouchy, buckled-laden biker boots I picked up at the Madden store in Charleston a few seasons ago.

Other happenin' events on the horizon:

ALCHIMIE FOREVER EVENT: Ada Polla, founder and creator of Alchimie Forever skincare, will be on hand 11a-4p Thursday, Sept. 24 and Friday, Sept. 25 for beauty events at Jeffre Scott Apothecary locations in Piper Glen and Myers Park. Both days, there will be complimentary mini facials and a gift with purchase of more than $75.

WAXMAMA LAUNCH PARTY: Celebrate the launch of the daily e-magazine Waxmama.com with a party at 6p Thursday, Sept. 24, at Therapy Marketplace and Café. The first 50 guests will get a free goodie bag. Entry is free, but guests are asked to add their names to a guest list by emailing their party information to info@waxMAMA.com.

FEVER EXTRAVAGANZA: The hair and fashion show starts at 6p Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Blake Hotel. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and performances by Calvin Richardson and Beverly. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit RAIN. Tickets and details: Fresh Kutts on The Blvd, 204 West Blvd., 704.347.1891.