The human brain is wired to recognize faces, even where they don’t exist—whether in the patterns of bark, clouds, or snow. This intrinsic urge to see faces is likely why Vincent Cantillon’s masks make such an impact. They turn the concept of a face into something more than just a recognizable human feature; they transform it into a canvas for creativity and personal expression.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Vincent began his career in the early 2000s, crafting latex Halloween masks for a costume company. After working on monster and zombie masks for some time, he was introduced to leather mask-making in 2006 by a friend, and it was a creative turning point. “I liked how leather could be shaped in ways latex simply couldn’t,” Vincent reflects, and since then, he’s never looked back.
Cantillon’s creations are deeply influenced by gothic aesthetics, with black leather serving as a primary medium. His designs often include intricate details like gears, feathers, and metal accents, alongside bursts of rich colors like deep reds and ghostly whites. One standout piece, the Jawbone Headdress, uses a real deer jawbone as the main structure, and incorporates unique elements like turkey feet and a peacock feather. The result is an extraordinary, tribal-gothic look that demands attention, adding over a foot of height to the wearer’s appearance.
Vincent describes his style as “tribal-gothic,” where the incorporation of bones, feathers, metal, and piercings into personal adornment mirrors ancient body art traditions. “Goths and punk rockers are carrying on a tradition that connects us to ancient cultures, where body art was not just for decoration but a form of identity,” he explains passionately. This sense of rebellion and self-expression remains at the heart of gothic culture and Vincent’s masks.
The link between gothic culture and ancient tribes is not just aesthetic; it’s spiritual. For Vincent, music and dance—core components of tribal culture—also play a vital role in the gothic community. Clubs and gatherings where people move to music are, in his view, a modern-day equivalent of ancient ceremonial rites. He finds inspiration in historical designs from African, Native American, Mayan, and Aztec cultures, often blending these influences into his work. “I take elements from these cultures, sketch them out, and then I start creating spontaneously,” he says. His masks are a visual testament to this fusion of old and new, like the Black Wing mask, which features wings curling from the wearer’s ears, transforming a traditional skull mask into something more ceremonial.
Recently, Vincent has started incorporating more feminine aspects into his work. While his masks often lean toward dark, even violent themes, there’s an undeniable allure in their structure. “I like to combine seductive elements with something threatening or deadly, creating a kind of psychological tension,” he says. This mix of danger and allure is evident in pieces like the Steampunk Crow Mask, with its long, delicate beak and sharp emphasis on the eyes of the wearer. Similarly, the Victorian Raven Headdress balances fragility and strength, featuring silver piercings and black feathers that evoke the regality of a queen’s crown.
Vincent Cantillon is also exploring new ways to showcase his work through social media. While he uses platforms like Etsy and Facebook to sell his masks, his presence online is more focused on showcasing his art than on personal details. “I like Facebook because it lets me share many photos of a single piece, showing it in context rather than just a sterile sales image,” he notes. His focus is always on the aesthetic impact of his masks, using photos to present them within the cultural and tribal contexts they draw from.
I recently had the chance to experience one of his masks firsthand, and I can attest to its impressive wearability. Lined with soft suede, the mask features subtle accents of warm pink that aren’t immediately visible in photos. The fit is adjustable, with leather ribbons used to fasten it snugly against the face. Whether paired with a corset, a formal suit, or an ornate tribal outfit, this mask commands attention. But it’s not just about the attention—it’s about the confidence it brings to the wearer, a quiet empowerment that comes from hiding behind a bold, striking piece of art.
For those who aren’t afraid to stand out, Vincent Cantillon’s masks offer a powerful form of self-expression, blending gothic tradition with tribal influences for a look that’s as striking as it is thought-provoking.
