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‘Emotion’ collection by Window Mannequins.


Mannequins by Rootstein.


‘Sketch’ collection by Window Mannequins.


The evolution of mannequins; we look at the changing forms from the petite Victorian to the plus size models we see today.


T


he mannequin; an articulated doll used by artists, tailors, window dressers and dressmakers to display clothing. Most people could tell you how a shop mannequin is used, and the vast majority of retailers would comment that they are a necessary requirement for most clothing displays. However, with the ever changing face of retail the one thing that has stood the test of time is the mannequin. Just think, even online stores have the need for mannequins, so is it safe to say that the mannequin is perhaps a retailer’s most prized possession?


Did you know that dressmaker forms have been around since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs? It is documented that when King Tutankhamen's tomb was opened in 1922, a wooden torso was discovered not far from a clothing chest, dating all the way back to 1350 B.C.


Interestingly, the mannequin as we know it today did not properly come into existence until the start of the Industrial Revolution. This set in motion a succession of events that revolutionised retail. One of the biggest catalysts of this change was the invention of plate glass, steel framed windows in 1868. It wasn’t long until retailers caught on and window panes were placed at the front of


stores to provide more light. Quickly merchants realised that placing goods in the store windows helped entice passers‐by to come in, thus was born the retailer’s desire for something to showcase their garments. proportion>london and its sister company Gems Studio have both been major players in the evolution of mannequins. Together their experience in the display industry amounts to an impressive 270 years ‐ a journey which has seen the growth of mannequins. Tanya Reynolds, Creative Director for proportion>london commented “Early proportion>london forms were hand crafted papier‐mâché bust forms and torsos for use by workroom and couture houses. During the late 70s proportion started to produce figures in fibreglass, which was considered to be much more robust and give greater definition to the anatomic details of the mannequin.” BHS have recently appointed global company Universal Display to create a new range of fibreglass mannequins for their menswear department, as the department needed to cater for all of their clothing collections it was imperative that the mannequins were versatile enough to carry off any look from casual wear to formal wear. Universal Display used the same pose


www.a1retailmagazine.com


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