On the 30th of September, figures sauntered, trudged and wandered through the floral pastel painted, gilded rooms of Hotel D’evreux. The twinkling candle chandeliers floated above our heads.

Now basking in the dusk of SS26 Paris Fashion week, I sat down with Tanguy Gavignet and Tom Goddard to discuss their casting of the second ever Matière Fécales show.

Having met when Tom first moved to Paris, Tanguy and Tom have become a casting power couple. Tanguy began his work in casting, initially with bigger agencies, and then transitioned into a more independent work format. Tom began his fashion career as a model and photographer. Now, they marry their experience to bring us a unique synthesis of faces.

The SS26 Matière Fécales was a bold and grandiose show that quenched a thirst for authentic inclusion in the landscape of Paris casting.

How did you develop a relationship with Matière Fécales, initially?

Tom and I met them at a cocktail part when they first moved to Paris, around 3 or 4 years ago. Then we started having diners and hanging out!

When you were confirmed for the job, what were your initial thoughts for the casting?

I was working on the casting for their debut show, so returning for their second season felt natural and exciting, after the first show was so well received.

In terms of casting, honestly, when I got confirmed, my first thought was super! Matières Fécales to me isn’t about perfection, it’s about contrast, and interpretation. I started thinking about individuals that could carry that raw energy, people who don’t just wear the concept but become it.

How did you recognise this raw energy that someone had that ability to become the concept?

I think as energy isn’t particularly visible, at first glance, speaking with the models & demonstrating the walk & concept, with our movement director Breckyn allowed us to see the model’s ability and openness. Honestly, all the models we saw in casting were pretty amazing, so it was selecting who could really embody the unapologetic spirit of Matéries Fecales.

The show felt like a perfect melding of tradition and modern experimentation. The casting felt playful and inclusive, but elevated. What were some of the key moments in the casting process?

I think for myself and Tom, there were many key moments throughout. We started discussions around casting months before the show, so we had quite a few meetings with Hannah and Steven - each time learning more about the collection, the direction and the narrative. This process felt special; the one on one time to process and develop. But also, nothing beats a physical casting day, after weeks of staring at an Excel sheet.

What was it like backstage before and after the show?

Backstage was honestly pure joy. I think everyone believed in the brand’s direction and felt genuinely proud to be part of it. You could feel the excitement buzzing, from everyone knowing they were contributing to something fab! Also, everyone was on time so this lowered the stress haha.