Steven Raj photographed the all-trans cast wearing designs by Matières Fécales alongside pieces from Christian Louboutin and Stephen Jones
Matières Fécales has unveiled a new photographic project created in support of Dolls Folies, the cabaret production led by Sasha Colby at Paris’ historic Folies Bergère theater. Captured by Steven Raj ahead of the performance, the series brings together an intergenerational cast of trans performers from around the world, highlighting the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the global trans community.
Photographed on the legendary Folies Bergère stage, the portraits feature artists spanning multiple generations, including performers in their eighties and nineties alongside contemporary figures from fashion, drag, performance, and entertainment. The cast includes Sasha Colby, Amanda Lepore, Gigi Goode, Lewis G. Burton, Allanah Star, Sam Buttery, and numerous others who have each contributed to the evolving landscape of queer and trans visibility.
For the project, the performers were styled in pieces drawn from Matières Fécales’ couture and ready-to-wear collections, paired with footwear by Christian Louboutin and hats by Stephen Jones. The resulting images reflect the label’s distinctive visual language while centering the individuality and presence of each participant.
Beyond its fashion component, the project serves as an extension of Dolls Folies, which brought together an all-trans cast of cabaret performers, drag artists, musicians, and entertainers. Through performance and visual storytelling, the production created a platform for representation while celebrating the contributions of trans artists across generations and disciplines.
The event also carried a philanthropic dimension. Proceeds from Dolls Folies supported La Maison d’Allanah, founded by Allanah Star, and Stop Homophobie, organizations dedicated to assisting LGBTQ+ refugees and supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community in France.
By documenting the cast on one of Paris’ most storied stages, Matières Fécales and Steven Raj have created a portrait of community, visibility, and creative expression, capturing a moment that connects fashion, performance, and activism through a shared commitment to representation.
