Gabbriette's Distinctive Wedding Ensemble Design Journey

Gabbriette, the renowned model and musician, embarked on a unique journey to craft her wedding wardrobe, opting for a decidedly non-traditional approach. In the weeks leading up to her July 18 wedding to The 1975's Matty Healy in Los Angeles, she invited Vogue to witness her final fitting at Dover Street Market in Paris. Her choice of designers, Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran of Matières Fecales, a Paris-based brand celebrated for their avant-garde, politically charged collections and meticulous craftsmanship, underscored her desire for a distinctive bridal aesthetic. Gabbriette expressed her admiration for designers who weave narratives through their creations, finding Matières Fecales a perfect match for her vision.

The fitting was a deeply emotional experience, shared with her mother, Chayo Bechtel, and her closest friend, Bailey Quinones. Before even arriving at the atelier, the anticipation was palpable. Chayo articulated her joy, highlighting the dream of seeing her daughter as a princess, witnessing her marry her soulmate, and the collective celebration of their love. Gabbriette, despite the extensive eight months of planning, playfully admitted to considering elopement, yet her excitement for the meticulously curated wedding was evident. Upon seeing the three custom looks, Gabbriette, overwhelmed with delight, exclaimed, “This is insane,” while admiring the intricate details, including a pair of uniquely twisted Matières Fécales x Christian Louboutin heels, joking about the need for a new closet to house her new attire.

The collection featured three distinct ensembles, each a testament to Gabbriette's unconventional style and the designers' artistry. The first, a pre-wedding dress dubbed the “Leigh,” drew inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It ingeniously incorporated Gabbriette's cherished vintage black Martin Margiela dress, transformed with soft white tulle, featuring the brand’s signature déchiré technique cascading from the hem and slashed back—a perfect blend of old and new. Gabbriette embraced the departure from traditional white, stating, “Bridal is whatever you want it to be,” celebrating her long-standing affection for black attire and the repurposing of a beloved garment. Next was the “Healy” after-party outfit: a two-piece suit crafted from supple lamb leather, adorned with déchiré tulle and fur edges, paired with a custom white satin riding hat by Stephen Jones and coordinated Christian Louboutin x Matières Fécales heels. Gabbriette envisioned herself making a grand entrance in this ensemble, exuding the confidence of iconic figures like Nicole Kidman or Kylie Minogue. The crowning glory was the main wedding gown, named “Gabriella,” a masterpiece of white silk taffeta, meticulously hand-pleated to form a bodice with a triple bustle and a train edged with déchiré tulle, completed by a Stephen Jones veil. This look, designed to make her feel like a princess, elicited heartfelt awe from her mother and friend, marking it as the quintessential bridal statement.

For the Matières Fecales team, this collaboration represented their inaugural bridal commission, a significant milestone they were honored to share with Gabbriette. Hannah reflected on their shared affinity for “extreme beauty and passion for dark glamour,” noting their surprise and subsequent understanding of why Gabbriette chose them. Their in-person meeting solidified a mutual vision for beauty and a poetic approach to fashion, making the partnership deeply meaningful. Steven dedicated a flight from Montreal to Paris to sketching 30 designs based on Gabbriette's inspirations, a testament to the profound connection and dedication involved. The entire team poured their love and expertise into every stitch, making the process profoundly emotional, particularly when witnessing Gabbriette embody their creations. Hannah found immense joy in sharing this pivotal moment with Gabbriette's mother and best friend, emphasizing that it transcended a mere client fitting to become a cherished part of her and her family's lives. The final touch, a wedding ring, would complete this extraordinary bridal narrative, symbolizing not just a union but a celebration of individuality and artistic expression.