# Face Corsets Paddy Hartley's Face-Altering Masks Mimic Plastic Surgery By lourdes sanchez bayas | Published 2009-02-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-altering-masks-paddy-hartleys References: [flickr](http://flickr.com/photos/coilhouse/1714664088/in/photostream/) & [projectfacade](http://www.projectfacade.com/) I have seen my share of [lingerie corsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-by-miraclesuit), but I have never seen anything like these [face-altering masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesthetic-skin-led-face-mask). Designed by Paddy Hartley, the “Face Corset,” as he calls these masks, were designed with a social message and critique in mind. The purpose behind Hartley’s work is to mimic (and exaggerate) the [effects of plastic surgery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/postsurgery-undergarment) on the human face. With a face corset, Hartley changes the form of the face--often with dramatic results. Through the corsets, the artist examines perceptions of beauty and alternative means of achieving the wearer’s ideals of perfection. Image Credit: Additional [we make money not art](http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2004/10/the-face-corset.php) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plastic Surgery Alternatives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop non-invasive, wearable devices that can mimic the effects of plastic surgery without the need for surgery. - **Body Modification Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create artistic masks or accessories that challenge traditional notions of beauty and encourage self-expression through body modification. - **Critique of Beauty Standards:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design products or services that challenge societal beauty norms and promote inclusivity and self-acceptance. ### Where This Applies - **Cosmetic Surgery:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the development of safer and more affordable alternatives to traditional plastic surgery procedures. - **Fashion and Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate technology into fashion and accessories to create customizable and transformative products that empower individuals to alter their appearance. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine art and technology to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge societal beauty expectations and foster dialogue. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Block Puzzle Carnival Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masquerade-mask-1.md) - [Runway-Inspired Peel-Off Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-001-artistry-mask.md) - [Connected Emotive Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/w3e-mask-expressive-emotion.md) - [Digital Avatar LED Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qudi-mask-2.md) - [Firming Lower Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-uplift-mask.md) - [Transformative Shaping Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-by-miraclesuit.md) - [Air-Controlling VR Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airres-mask.md) - [Aerodynamic Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-face-protector.md) - [Face Mask-Made Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anonymlux-lamp.md)