Paris: Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, known as Matières Fécales, will unveil their avant-garde collection at Paris Fashion Week, blending performance art with fashion, amidst praise from industry leaders and a commitment to sustainable design.
Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, known collectively as Matières Fécales, are set to make their mark on the fashion world with their latest collection, which will showcase during Paris Fashion Week on March 7. The couple, both trained patternmakers from Montreal, have garnered attention for their unique aesthetic, which blends elements of performance art and fashion, often characterised by their alien-like appearances, including bald heads and bold, zombie-inspired makeup.
Adrian Joffe, president of Comme des Garçons International and CEO of Dover Street Market, has praised the duo’s design approach, particularly their striking leather jackets, which he described as “thrilling.” Joffe noted that the couple has a distinctive vision, saying, “I found them beautiful, and I was thrilled to find out, the more I got to know them, how beautiful they are inside as well. They have a total vision of who they are — a fearless, courageous vision.”
The collaboration with Dover Street Market Paris marks an important step for Matières Fécales, providing support in production, sales, and distribution. This partnership allows Dalton and Bhaskaran to work with fine, natural fabrics and utilise European manufacturing capabilities. As they prepare to present their designs, the first prototypes have begun to arrive at the DSMP showroom, where they are reflecting on their journey to this prestigious platform.
Dalton articulated their brand ethos, explaining that the name, translating to “fecal matter,” reflects their perception of the fashion industry. She stated, “Matières Fécales is our version of what the industry should be — something inclusive, something that has sustainable products, something that is open to new ideas.” The couple has made a name for themselves over the last decade by selling various fashion items directly to consumers via platforms such as social media and the resale app Depop.
Their appeal extends globally, attracting a diverse clientele from cities like London, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, as well as Brazil and Russia. Dalton noted, “A lot of times, the interest comes from places where people feel they can’t be themselves.” Bhaskaran elaborated on their new collection’s vision, describing it as “our version of elegance,” aimed at creating durable and sustainable fashion.
Joffe has expressed optimism about their collection, remarking, “Amid all this uncertainty in the world, people are more open to new and creative fashion, things you can’t find anywhere.” This sentiment is underscored by the couple’s burgeoning reputation, which has attracted the attention of renowned designers and celebrities alike. They have collaborated with fashion icons such as Rick Owens and Jean Paul Gaultier, the latter commissioning them for a significant cabaret project in Berlin.
Additionally, in late 2023, Madonna enlisted Matières Fécales to design costumes for her backup dancers and invited them to perform alongside her during specific dates of her “Celebration” tour in Paris. Their rising fame, however, has not come without challenges; in October, they were denied entry to The Forbidden City in Beijing while accompanying Owens and his wife, Michèle Lamy. Reflecting on this experience, Dalton stated, “Even in Paris, we’re denied entry at restaurants. It’s just something that happens to people who dress up like us, who do this on an everyday basis, and who express themselves authentically.”
Instead of their intended visit, Bhaskaran remarked, “We just walked around, and went sightseeing. Beijing is a beautiful city, and there was so much to see.” As they approach their debut at Paris Fashion Week, Matières Fécales continues to challenge conventions and expand their influence within the fashion landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
