In a century blinded by the rich and powerful, what can fashion do about the one percent? Well, Matières Fécales Fall/Winter 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection, by Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, namesakenly titled “The One Percent” stares the oligarchs right in their blinded eyes and forces a conversation, showing us how the decision makers think through a metaphorical look at their lifestyle.
These elitists choose to fortify themselves and their wealth over the people they’re meant to protect. Matières Fécales runway tackled this idea with the force of a bull, with one look literally blinding the male model with a money mask featuring the founding father himself, George Washington, screaming Wall Street, FiDi, and greed. The sheer energy and attention this look craved forced me to put my fingers on my keyboard. However, this look wasn’t only made for a masculine presence; a feminine figure graced the runway just before, donning an identical mask and a hoodie printed with “I ♥ POWER”. Another similar look also wormed its way into my thoughts, a silky top hat, cane, full suit with a long tailcoat, and a funky white collar, featuring another money blindfold. Naturally, I thought of the president historically associated with both accessories, Abraham Lincoln. Now, I don’t think this runway was meant to tie itself to that specific former President, but rather it forced us to draw similarities to people in power, and subsequently presidents and politicians.
Almost identical to the dollar blindfolds, the American Express Platinum Card blindfold. Another symbol of elite status and wealth, showcasing their money and influence, the difference being the outfits. The first AmEx look featured a male model wearing denim on denim, appearing “normal” with a touch of elegance. The second look consisted of a long, brown, “everyday” trenchcoat.
Although not styled in these blindfolds, the inclusion of Bryan Johnson walking their runway leaves a weird aftertaste. He’s the exact person they’re commenting on with the masks, people who have enough money to basically burn it. Johnson is a known “bodyhacker” throwing money away to hopefully become “immortal”. I’m not 100% sure, but it almost felt like a humiliation ritual, having him walk a show that is mocking him. Matières Fécales is known for its dystopian, avant-garde fashion, and wild body modifications, and this show didn’t leave us wanting. We saw intricate facial prosthetics, eccentric makeup, and their signature bald head. The most absurd construction was the cat-like prosthetic, commenting on aging and beauty standards that don’t apply to the elite. Mimicking a botched plastic surgery, showcasing a face lift, rhinoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and lip filler/botox typically associated with “MAGA Face”. These different looks, and the inclusion of the exact type of person they’re talking about calls us to look at our own society.
Right now our entire “democracy” is run by millionaires and billionaires, and has been for centuries. Matières Fécales is showing us the reality and truth we live in. It’s gritty, grungy, raw, uncensored, and controversial, reflecting the current state of our union. Our own president and administration is pushing tax cuts for the filthy rich, while taxing the impoverished even heavier. While the political state of the world still revolves around money, this deeply haunting collection, from the large looming silhouettes to the intense and uncanny hair and makeup, spells out the problem and forces us to think.
Words and Graphics by Connor Crankshaw