# Freaks Take Over Paris Fashion Week

> Matieres Fecales and Vaquera designers challenge Paris Fashion Week norms with political messaging and niche appeal.
- Title: Freaks Take Over Paris Fashion Week · Vanity Fair | Shortify
- Summary: Matieres Fecales and Vaquera designers challenge Paris Fashion Week norms with political messaging and niche appeal. Matieres Fecales and Vaquera's shows at…
- Keywords: matieres fecales, vaquera, rick owens, paris fashion week, fashion, political messaging, niche appeal, authenticity, designers, rihanna, zendaya, saint laurent
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/paris-fashion-week-rick-owens-matieres-fecales
- Author: José Criales-Unzueta
- Published: 2026-10-05T23:37:48.312+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matieres fecales, vaquera, rick owens, paris fashion week, fashion, political messaging, niche appeal, authenticity, designers, rihanna, zendaya, saint laurent
## Paris Fashion Week Shift
Paris Fashion Week saw a shift from traditional headliners to emerging designers like Matieres Fecales and Vaquera.
## Matieres Fecales Show
Matieres Fecales, a brand by Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton, featured Rihanna and political messaging about wealth disparity.
## Political Message
The show included dresses inspired by Alexander McQueen, 'resistance' emblazoned on chests, and a Black model carrying a puppet with a dollar-bill mask.
## Rihanna's Presence
Rihanna attended the Matieres Fecales show, highlighting the contrast between her wealth and the show's focus on social inequality.
## Vaquera Show
Vaquera, designed by Bryn Taubensee and Patric Dicaprio, performed Sonny and Cher's 'I Got You Babe' to close their show.
## Vaquera's Niche Appeal
Vaquera's collection included extravagant gowns in white and neon, military garb, and a tuxedo, appealing to a niche audience.
## August Barron Show
August Barron hosted a cabaret-style show at La Cigale with models in stripper-high heels and Playboy Bunny ears.
## Industry Reaction
Fashion editor Tonne Goodman noted that smaller independent talents were gaining attention at Paris Fashion Week.
## Rick Owens' Influence
Rick Owens, known for his 'freakdom' aesthetic, has maintained a niche appeal despite his celebrity following.
## Freaks Take Over
The season emphasized emotion and authenticity over commercial appeal, with the 'freaks' dominating Paris Fashion Week.
## Key takeaway

Matieres Fecales and Vaquera's shows at Paris Fashion Week sparked political discourse and niche appeal by prioritizing authenticity over commercial appeal.