Matières Fécales, a Paris-based couture house founded by Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton, is redefining luxury through a “tension between finesse and decomposition,” according to celebrity stylist Brad Goreski. The brand gained global visibility when Zendaya wore one of its white feathered bustier gowns to the premiere of L’Odysée, a look confirmed by her stylist Law Roach.
From Depop to Paris Fashion Week: The Rise of Matières Fécales
Bhaskaran and Dalton launched their label while studying at the Collège LaSalle de Montréal. The duo initially distributed their designs via the secondhand platform Depop before transitioning to the runways of Paris Fashion Week. By March 2025, the brand presented its collections in Paris, marking a rapid ascent from student projects to high-fashion staples.
The brand’s name reflects a critical view of the fashion industry. In a March appearance on the Fashion Neurosis podcast, Bhaskaran stated that the name serves to challenge the wasteful nature of the fashion world.
Did you know? The founders, Bhaskaran and Dalton, mirror their brand’s avant-garde ethos in their personal style, often appearing with shaved heads, white makeup, and leather boots designed to look like human feet.
The “Anti-Luxury” Aesthetic Attracting A-List Celebrities
Despite a provocative name, the house has secured a roster of high-profile clients. Lady Gaga and Kylie Jenner have adopted their pieces, and Demi Moore wore the brand during the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2026. Sarah Paulson also wore a frayed grey tulle dress and a silver bill mask from the collection to the Met Gala on May 4, 2026.
Journalist Kristen Bateman, who attended three of the duo’s Paris shows, suggests the brand’s success stems from an industry hunger for genuine novelty. Bateman notes that while legacy houses like Chanel and Dior are beginning to blend together, Matières Fécales exists in a category that cannot be easily replicated.
Strategic Growth via Dover Street Market
A turning point for the brand’s infrastructure occurred in 2024 when they partnered with Dover Street Market. The relationship began after the founders met Adrian Joffe, president of Dover Street Market, backstage at a Madonna concert.
This partnership provides the emerging label with essential support in production, distribution, and retail sales, allowing the creators to scale their unconventional vision without compromising the artistic “organism” they have built, according to Milan Tanedjikov, a design professor at Collège LaSalle de Montréal.
Political Commentary in Couture: ‘Le un pour cent’
The brand uses its platform for social commentary. In March, the duo unveiled the “Le un pour cent” (The One Percent) collection. The runway featured models wearing silver bill masks over their eyes and opera gloves stained with red paint.
This presentation created a stark contrast with the billionaires occupying the front rows of Paris Fashion Week. Tanedjikov explains that the duo is driven by absolute freedom of expression and a desire to push the boundaries of what defines the human form.
Industry Insight: The shift toward “ugly-chic” or “decomposition” aesthetics often signals a market pivot away from polished, traditional luxury toward art-driven, conceptual fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Matières Fécales?
The brand was founded by Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton.
Where is Matières Fécales based?
The house is based in Paris, though it was originally founded in Montréal.
Which celebrities have worn Matières Fécales?
Zendaya, Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Demi Moore, and Sarah Paulson have all worn the brand’s designs.
What do you think of the “anti-luxury” movement in high fashion? Does the provocative branding of Matières Fécales add to its value or distract from the art? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into avant-garde fashion.
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