Design Driven Prosthetics
research project
the ask
Identify a current political, cultural, or social phenomenon and at least one product from a pre-existing fashion beauty or lifestyle brand.
“I didn’t think I would be loved again, I didn’t think I would be wanted – I definitely didn’t think the fashion world would ever accept me,”
— Lauren Wasser
This is approximately
5x
33.8%
of amputees suffer from depression.
higher than the average rate of depression amongst able bodied adults.
Those experiencing limb loss were found to have lower rates of self-esteem and heightened levels of body dysmorphia.
Self expression should not be a luxury exclusive to fully able bodied individuals, and Chinese jewelry company, Yvmin, has been creating beautiful solutions to this issue.
The company does not currently sell these items, as they are made specifically for the client. Yvmin’s goal is to raise awareness about prosthetic decorations and to truly treat these pieces as jewelry
Easily Interchangable
In 2021, YVMIN partnered with model Xiao Yang to create three fashionable shells for her prosthetic, treating prosthetics as a form of wearable art
In 2023, Yvmin designed five prosthetic breasts for Xuan Zai, who was born with Poland Syndrome, leaving half her chest muscles underdeveloped.
These types of prosthetic options are so effective because they are:
Lightweight
The Illuminated Breast
Comparatively cost-effective
Wasser is very outspoken about her experience, and is widely known for her signature DIY - golden legs.
Model and advocate, Lauren Wasser, is also shedding light upon the mental struggles faced by amputees. Having almost lost her life in a battle with Toxic Shock Syndrome, Wasser underwent a procedure to remove her right leg. She chose to remove her left leg 6 years later.
Alternative Limb Project
Founded by prosthetic sculptor and SFX makeup artist, Sophie de Oliviera Barata, The Alternative Limb Project produces some of the most unique prosthetics out there.
The Vine, worn by model and advocate, Kelly KnoxAs an artistic project, these prosthetics are not always meant to be fully functional, but more of a creative outlet for the artists and the wearers.
SKILLS
Data Collection
TIME MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH
Source Evaluation
WRITING
Personal Takeaways
This was one of the first papers I wrote in college, and it is a topic I still care about deeply. Fashion is not just about the industry, but the people who participate and make it meaningful. Revisiting this assignment and seeing how I’ve grown, as well as the idea of design based prosthetics, has been very inspiring.