Some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities are embracing Fecal Matter on red carpets, magazine covers, and even in television commercials.
Fortunately, the trend is not quite as disgusting as it sounds. Fecal Matter is the English translation of Matières Fécales, a Paris-based luxury fashion house whose provocative designs have recently been worn by Zendaya, Lady Gaga, Demi Moore, Sarah Paulson, and Kylie Jenner.
Zendaya brought the brand renewed attention when she attended the New York premiere of The Odyssey in what The Associated Press described as an angelic strapless gown featuring dramatic white feathers. When someone asked celebrity stylist Law Roach who designed the dress, he offered the unforgettable response: “Fecal Matter.”
The label’s repellent name is attracting more interest than flies.
Why Is the Brand Called Fecal Matter?
Designers Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton founded Matières Fécales more than a decade ago while studying at Collège LaSalle Montréal.
According to The Associated Press, the pair initially sold clothing through the secondhand marketplace Depop before eventually earning a place on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar.
Zendaya wearing Matières Fécales on the red carpet for The Odyssey – Associated Press, YouTube
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The designers selected the intentionally repulsive name as a criticism of the fashion industry’s vanity and wastefulness. Essentially, they wanted to place what they consider ugly on equal footing with what is traditionally considered attractive. Translating the name into French, Dalton argues, gives it a glamorous quality that matches their unconventional approach.
That philosophy is also reflected in their appearance. Bhaskaran and Dalton are known for shaved heads, bleached eyebrows, theatrical white makeup, and unsettling “skin boots” designed to resemble human feet.
Their clothing similarly combines elegance with decay. Extravagant gowns, distressed fabrics, exaggerated silhouettes, feathers, and other unusual materials have helped Matières Fécales stand apart from more traditional luxury labels.
However, Fecal Matter and the celebrities who wear it are not always trying to express a broader philosophy. Sometimes, the goal is simply to make a statement.
Sarah Paulson’s ‘Blinded by Money’ Statement
Last May, Sarah Paulson made headlines when she appeared at the Met Gala in a distressed gray Matières Fécales gown and an eye mask made from dollar bills. The symbolism was hardly subtle.
Sarah Paulson at the 2026 Met Gala – Entertainment Tonight, YouTube
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“Fashion is Art and at its most daring, Political,” the designer wrote on Instagram. “[Paulson] is wearing the ‘Blinded by Money’ leather mask and the Destroyed Tulle Debutante Ballgown. The collection was a reflection of the greed and corruption that comes with extreme power.”
Given Paulson’s presumed wealth and the opulence of the event, her performative gesture drew significant backlash.
Fashion and culture magazine Cosmopolitan called Paulson’s red carpet moment “tone deaf”, adding that the look “is not the flex she thinks it is.”
It is becoming increasingly apparent that conflicting ideas, mixed messaging, and irony are baked into Fecal Matter’s brand identity. Zendaya and Paulson—or the stylists who select their outfits—are also far from the only celebrities who appear comfortable wearing Fecal Matter.
Fecal Matter Spreads Beyond the Red Carpet
Lady Gaga and Madonna were among the brand’s earliest celebrity supporters. Matières Fécales has created custom outfits for Gaga’s live performances, including her appearance at Coachella.
Kylie Jenner recently brought the label to an even broader audience by wearing a pink satin blazer with enormous shoulder pads in a Dunkin’ commercial. The appearance inspired amusement online once viewers discovered the designer’s translated name.
Kylie Jenner wearing Matières Fécales – Dunkin’, YouTube
The brand has also expanded beyond premieres and awards ceremonies. It created a distressed Victorian-style wedding dress for model Gabbriette Bechtel when she married musician Matty Healy.
Matières Fécales may owe some of its visibility to an intentionally shocking name. However, its growing celebrity following demonstrates that the attention is not limited to bathroom humor. At the same time, the world of high fashion remains alien and out of reach to the average customer. With a name like that, many may say it is just as well.
What do you think of the celebrities wearing Fecal Matter? Sound off and let us know!
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