Matières Fécales' First Year: A Journey of Identity, Art, and Success
"It's been a dream come true."
For Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, the past year has been a remarkable journey, a dream they've been building towards for a decade. Their creative entity, Matières Fécales, has evolved from an artistic exploration of identity and otherness to a thriving label.
The Canadian couple, trained as patternmakers at Montreal's Collège LaSalle, are content creators, performance artists, and DJs. Their unique vision solidified as a part of Dover Street Market's brand development division in Paris.
Matières Fécales' debut show in March was a success, attracting front-row guests like Chappell Roan and featuring pieces worn by fashion icons such as Daphne Guinness, Tilda Swinton, FKA Twigs, Lady Gaga, Playboi Carti, and Rosalía. The brand quickly gained attention and a global following.
The brand's success continued with a well-received sophomore show in a luxurious salon on Place Vendôme, and pieces spotted on the likes of Daphne Guinness, Tilda Swinton, FKA Twigs, Lady Gaga, Playboi Carti, and Rosalía. The brand also secured 38 retailers worldwide.
The duo has started carving out their retail presence with shop-in-shop outposts in Dover Street Market New York, London, and soon, Ginza in Tokyo. They've learned a lot in this journey, as Bhaskaran noted, "It’s just been very much a learning experience, which has been super cool."
Matières Fécales' first collection took 18 months to develop, laying the foundation for their brand. They've mapped out their first four collections, a strategic move to build brand signatures and recognition. Dalton emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, "As a luxury consumer, I want to know what to expect."
The brand's success is evident in its sell-through rates, with 70-80% of items sold in stores, and several retailers reordering. Tailored garments and jersey/denim categories are popular, and couture special orders continue to come in.
Matières Fécales' price range, from $150 to $3,500, has been a key factor in its success. Dalton shared, "Having both extremes doing really well has been super amazing for us."
Despite early success, the duo isn't rushing to expand wholesale accounts. They prefer to focus on deepening existing relationships, ensuring their specific vision remains intact.
The next step for Matières Fécales is adding their own retail presence, with e-commerce plans and a physical store in the works. They aim to build footholds in the U.S., Japan, Paris, and London, offering a unique, homey experience.
"Depth in the luxury space is what consumers want from us, and we're going to give them that," Bhaskaran said. The brand's success lies in its ability to create a meaningful connection with its audience, even if it doesn't result in a purchase.
Matières Fécales' unique approach to marketing and brand development has sparked curiosity and interest, marking a successful first year.
