# Unconventional Romance Collages The Marc Alain Hearts Series Creates Love Out of Everyday Objects By Marie | Published 2011-10-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marc-alain-hearts References: [holyghostzine](http://www.holyghostzine.com/2011/10/marc-alain.html) & [marcalain](http://www.marcalain.com/index.php?/collage/) If you're tired of giving (or receiving) the usual [flowery heart-shaped chocolate boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartshaped-chocolate-tins) and cards to your special someone on anniversaries and [Valentine's Day](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/together-valentines-day), the Marc Alain Hearts series offers an unusual, but incredibly charming solution. The photographer and mixed-media artist creates heart collages using everyday objects and imagery not traditionally associated with love or romance. Taking a literal (and almost ironic) approach to the phrase "make love, not war," Alain creates a lovely heart-shaped collage using photographs of explosives, and another of missiles. If you're looking for something a little softer, the Baby Birds collage is incredibly quirky and will definitely put a smile on your loved one's face. For an incredibly creative and unique change from the [standard romantic gifts and cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-jewelry1), check out the Marc Alain Hearts series. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Romance](https://www.trendhunter.com/romance) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Unconventional Romance:** Creating love and romance through unexpected and non-traditional elements. - **Mixed-media Art:** Exploring the combination of different materials and techniques to create visually interesting pieces. - **Quirky Gift Ideas:** Shifting away from traditional gifts to offer unique and unexpected presents that evoke emotions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Exploring unconventional subject matter and techniques to capture unique and thought-provoking images. - **Art & Crafts:** Creating innovative and non-traditional pieces using various materials and techniques. - **Gift & Novelty:** Offering out-of-the-box and unconventional gift options for special occasions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unconventional Valentine Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-disingenuous-romance-day-valentine-card.md) - [Love-Inspired Miniature Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-in-a-bottle.md) - [Valentine's Beef Jerky Hearts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meathearts.md) - [Curated High-End V-Day Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-gift-selection.md) - [Love-Inspired Gift Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartbox.md) - [Travel-Inspired Gift Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adventurous-couples-valentines-day-set.md) - [Floral Brand Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bouqs-collabs.md) - [Naughty Valentines Day Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-wood.md) - [Cherry-Beet Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beeting-heart.md)