Origins of The Fashion Mannequin

Looking at how clothes appear when worn is a great way for customers to decide which items are best suited to them.  You aren’t going to get people to stand in shops all day, donning coats, scarves and jeans, so that’s where a fashion mannequin display will become handy, as these demonstrate what clothes look like on the human body. 

They’ve become a staple for physical retail, often paraded in large clothing outlets. Over the years, mannequins have also become pretty realistic, so it’s not uncommon for shoppers to become startled upon turning their heads from time to time. 

Where Did it All Begin? 

You have to go back to the 15th century if you want to trace early incarnations of the mannequin. That would be milliner’s mannequins, which were fashion dolls used to show off current trends.  You could also argue how these conceived the idea of collectible dolls, since these were often manufactured as toys for children, a concept further developed later on by American toy manufacturer, Mattel, in 1959, who introduced the iconic Barbie doll. 

In France, during the 1920’s, mannequins were given a more realistic appearance, more akin to your typical human being. These were primarily made from a composite which mostly comprises plaster. 

Why Do Designers Use Mannequins?

Mannequins have always given shops a huge uplift. Just think about how sterile they’d be if clothing was piled on shelves or hung up on metal hangers! 

It’s not going to benefit merchandising exploits, so without the impact you need to capture people’s attention in what could be a fiercely competitive landscape for your specific area of this industry. 

What is The Best Type of Mannequin?

There’s a number of materials used for mannequins, but for ease and durability, it’s probably best to go for something made with fibreglass. Other options would be plastic, metal or wood, but these aren’t without their flaws, most notably their heftier weights, making them harder to move around the store. 

How Do You Style a Mannequin?

Here’s your chance to get creative, but be careful, overdoing it can diminish the effect of these displays quite considerably. Avoid lots of opulent jewellery for example, and only include this should they add the right amount of spark and dazzle to any clothing being displayed.  

It’s also worth focusing more time on the head and shoulders, because let’s be honest, that’s precisely where customers are going to be looking. If you have suitable hats or necklaces, these can be great additions to make. 

Mannequins will of course need prominent lighting to show off clothing effectively, and consider how backdrops could be useful, especially if the display is promoting something seasonal. This could be sandy beaches for a summer line, or Christmas themed imagery during the winter. 

Create Stunning Shop Displays With Impulse 

The world of physical retail is waiting for you. Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in, with our years of experience for designing and executing compelling shop displays for all industries.  Ready to launch a brand new campaign with Impulse by your side? Get in contact with us today.