Attic with global ambitions: Luxury brand builds from humble origins to Material Opulence

Renauld Shelton II sees power stitched into the seams of fashion, the Kansas City designer said, detailing the dynamic pairing of apparel and pride that grounds his luxury clothing brand.

“It’s a confidence builder. When you look good, you feel good,” said Shelton, founder and CEO of Material Opulence. “It sets you up for success.”

Launched in 2013, the brand built a loyal following through pop-ups, collaborations, and a growing e-commerce presence while staying rooted in values like ethical production, sustainability and accessibility. 

“I want Material Opulence to be as respected as a Ralph Lauren or Gucci, but at a price point that doesn’t break the bank,” he said. “It’s about creating a look that’s classic and clean, something you can wear now or 10 years from now.”

Click here to shop Material Opulence.

The decision to include youth sizing also speaks to Shelton’s larger mission of making luxury fashion more inclusive and family-forward.

“I want the youth to be just as stylish as us,” Shelton said. “I’d love to see full families wearing the collection. It adds a different element when sons look up to fathers and daughters look up to mothers. Dressing alike can say something powerful.”

Renauld Shelton II, Material Opulence, posses in an outtake form, while virtually leading ProX interns; courtesy photo

An evolving brainstorm

When Renauld moved back to Kansas City with a graphic design degree, launching a luxury clothing brand wasn’t part of the plan. But out of a deep love for fashion, Material Opulence was born.

“I moved back home, moved into my dad’s attic, and just went from there,” he said.

The spark to build a brand also came from family ties. Working closely with his uncle, who ran a clothing brand of his own, gave Shelton early exposure to the industry. 

When his brother, who was still in college, called with the idea to start a brand, Shelton jumped in, spending his free time brainstorming names and sketching designs. Material Opulence officially debuted in March 2013.

Now celebrating its 12th year, the Kansas City-based brand is marking a major milestone with the launch of its Legacy Standard collection, a culmination of years of experimentation and evolution.

“The Legacy Standard collection is our homage to resilience, our humble beginnings in 2013, the community we’ve built, and the global ambitions that guide our next chapter,” Shelton said. “We’re proud to set a new benchmark in sustainable luxury.”

READ MORE: How The Legacy Standard collection was born through resilience

Renauld Shelton II sports the Heritage Crown bucket hat from Material Opulence’s Legacy Standard collection; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Threads with a hometown twist

Released July 22, the summer ’25 Legacy Standard collection channels Kansas City’s iconic art deco skyline and a commitment to craftsmanship into clean, contemporary silhouettes.

The line introduces items like the Heritage Crown bucket hat, crafted from recycled polyester, and the Crownmark Tee, available in both adult and youth sizes.

Shelton said the idea for the collection came from a resourceful mindset and a desire to repurpose what he already had: leftover patches, extra hats, and a clear intention to create something meaningful.

“I drafted up this patch years ago,” Shelton said. “We had a bunch of them left, and I didn’t want them to go to waste. I wanted this to be the last collection before going fully through a manufacturer. So I started playing around, what could I create that was clean, not too flashy, but still made a statement?”

The result is a collection that feels premium but grounded, recycled hats with traceable origins and tailored tees featuring leather accents stamped with the brand’s mantra: Wear Your Legacy.

Design that builds legacy

The name Material Opulence came to Shelton during a creative block while reading in the library. As he flipped through the dictionary, one word stood out: opulence.

“I stumbled on the word ‘opulence,’ which means wealth, and that started everything,” Shelton said. “We live in a world driven by materialism, but I wanted to reclaim that and define what wealth really means.”

He also aimed to help redefine a fashion industry that too often uses materials that are bad for the environment, he said.

Every product in The Legacy Standard is manufactured in audited, ethically certified factories using recycled materials. While the designs pull influence from streetwear, Shelton’s vision is long-term.

“Sustainability adds authenticity,” he said. “It gives us a uniqueness that sets us apart.”

Renauld Shelton II, Material Opulence, on the red carpet at the 2025 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards; courtesy photo

Recent local love

Even with roots in Kansas City, Shelton admitted local sales have been slow to build, though that’s beginning to change.

“There’s been support, especially recently, I made the finals for the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, which meant a lot. But I’ve also got my eyes set on national exposure,” he said.

That means taking the brand on the road. Pop-up shops in new cities, collaborations with high-end boutiques, and expanded retail partnerships are all part of Shelton’s playbook moving forward.

“If you want different results, you’ve got to try different things,” he said. “We’ve only done local events so far, but I’m ready to expand. I’d love to see what happens in cities where no one knows me yet.”

In the meantime, he’s focused on wrapping the summer strong, with a men’s matching set and a women’s jumper in the works, while also preparing concepts for the upcoming fall/winter collection and deepening retailer relationships.

“I’m focused on building relationships and pushing the brand forward,” he said. “There’s a lot more coming.”