Inspired by the giant Larvacean (Bathochordaeus) who lives between 3.68 km and 11 km below the surface of the ocean- This animal is capable of filtering carbon out of the water through its feeding apparatus.
The Larvacean has two filters — a coarse, external one that traps debris too big for the creature, and an internal filter that guides the food into the creature’s mouth. These mucus filters also trapped large quantities of carbon, which floats through the oceans.
Pictured here is an up-close cross section of the mask. The left side shows the internals, and the right side shows the external structure.
Similarly to the deep sea creature, the Larvacean Mask is constructed of two membranes. The outer structure is the first barrier of protection between the atmosphere and the wearer. This layer filters the largest particles out of the air, and performs the most important function of conserving and supporting the sensitive inner cells.
The inner organic vasculature pulls the particles from the outer carapace, and sequesters it within its matrix. After the atmosphere is transferred to the vasculature, it begins its journey through the purifying matrix- towards the wearer’s lungs. On the way there, the carbon is stripped from the oxygen, becoming trapped within the mask over time. Once purified, the now clean oxygen can be distributed to the wearer’s own body.
Like any filter, natural or artificial, the waste particles build up over time. Once the mask exceeds its lifespan, it can be returned to the matter from once it came, and given back to nature.
Here you can see how the mask functions. Air is taken in by the sides of the mask, and carbon is cleaned out of it as it is transported around the sides towards the wearer’s nose and mouth.
This X-Ray view shows the breakdown of the mask, and the relation between the organic matter and the human.
Fashion lookbook photos:
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