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Prosthetics in Fashion: How Models Are Redefining Beauty with Sculpted Silhouettes
- Qui Joacin
- 49 minutes ago
- 4 min read
From prosthetic abs to alien-inspired makeup, prosthetics are pushing the boundaries of fashion, challenging beauty norms and creating jaw-dropping looks on the runway.
Hey Talkers, if you’ve been keeping up with the latest fashion shows, you might have noticed something pretty wild happening on the runway: prosthetics are becoming a big trend. Yes, you read that right—prosthetics. From chiseled abs to transformed faces, designers are using these tools to create jaw-dropping, out-of-this-world looks. So, what’s behind this rise in prosthetics, and how are they changing the way we view beauty and fashion? Let’s dive in.
The Rise of Prosthetics on the Runway
It all started with the innovative designs of Dutch designer Duran Lantink, who made waves at the Fall-Winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week. His runway show included some seriously unconventional fashion moments, but it was the prosthetics that really turned heads. One model wore a set of chiseled abs, and another model sported bouncing prosthetic breasts. These prosthetics weren’t just accessories; they were a statement. Social media went wild, debating whether these prosthetics were celebrating gender fluidity or poking fun at femininity. For Lantink, it was about pushing the boundaries of how we think about human form—turning people into action figures and toys in a way that was both playful and thought-provoking.
Lantink wasn’t the only designer embracing this trend. Over the past few seasons, other designers, like Martine Rose, Balenciaga, and Collina Strada, have also incorporated prosthetics, masks, and 3D makeup into their collections. These items have transformed models into animals, cyborgs, and even alien-like creatures. It’s a bold statement, and it's all about challenging traditional beauty norms.
Prosthetics as a Tool for Artistic Expression
But what exactly is driving this trend? According to Tanya Noor, a course leader at the London College of Fashion, prosthetics are being used to explore identity and transformation in fashion. Instead of just creating looks that conform to traditional beauty standards, designers are now experimenting with the human form. Prosthetics allow for a kind of "body rewriting," where artists can manipulate proportions, features, and silhouettes in a way that would be impossible with regular clothing.
This isn’t the first time prosthetics have had an impact on fashion. Historically, prosthetics have played a key role in cinema, drag performances, and even art. Think of the creepy, lifelike latex masks used in movies or the exaggerated curves and padded chest pieces used by drag queens to challenge femininity and masculinity. Now, in the world of high fashion, prosthetics are being used to make a statement about the body’s potential for transformation and how we see ourselves.
Prosthetics on the Red Carpet and Beyond
What’s even more fascinating is how prosthetics have made their way into red carpet fashion. We’ve seen pop stars like Doja Cat push the envelope by wearing prosthetics at events like the 2023 Met Gala, where she transformed into a feline version of Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat. Makeup artist Malina Stearns, who worked on Doja's look, has also created prosthetic characters for musicians like Sabrina Carpenter and SZA. These prosthetics are about creating eye-catching, viral moments that get people talking—and they do just that.
This trend isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also a form of commentary. Designers and makeup artists are using prosthetics to challenge societal norms, whether that’s through transforming faces with exaggerated cheekbones or adding fake noses to models to question Eurocentric beauty standards. As we see more and more prosthetics on the runway, it’s clear that fashion is moving beyond traditional beauty ideals.
The Future of Prosthetics in Fashion
What’s next for prosthetics in fashion? Well, the possibilities are endless. Designers like Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada are pushing the envelope by transforming models into human-animal hybrids. These prosthetics, which include elaborate animal faces and even piercings, are not just for shock value—they’re a way to break down artificial barriers between humans and the planet, as Taymour explains. And while most of these prosthetics are static, Taymour envisions a future where prosthetics could move dynamically, like a dress that breathes or a tail that sways. Imagine that—fashion that’s not only wearable but also interactive and alive.
Prosthetics and Body Image
The increasing use of prosthetics in fashion also taps into the growing conversation around body image. Designers like Martine Rose have used prosthetics to challenge the expectations placed on bodies, such as using fake noses to subvert traditional beauty norms. In a world where cosmetic surgery is increasingly common, prosthetics offer a more visible and creative way to transform the body. As makeup artist Malina Stearns points out, prosthetics in fashion are often designed to stand out, creating a moment of spectacle and artistic expression rather than being a hidden enhancement.
Conclusion: Prosthetics as the Future of Fashion
So, what’s the takeaway here? Prosthetics in fashion are far more than just a trend—they’re a tool for artists to express identity, challenge beauty norms, and create show-stopping moments on the runway and beyond. Whether it’s a model with prosthetic abs or a completely transformed face, prosthetics are helping redefine what fashion can be. Who knows? In the future, we might see prosthetics that can move, breathe, and change in real-time—taking fashion to a whole new level. One thing’s for sure: prosthetics are here to stay, and they’re adding a whole new dimension to the way we think about beauty and style.