5. Mannequins

Question 1

Mannequins

the importance of a mannequin

Answer 1

• The selection of a mannequin is one of the most important professional decisions a display person will make
• A store’s most valuable asset
• A silent salesperson that will stand for hours, always smiling, fresh and pleasant, don’t have to pay, doesn’t take a sick day
• Does require love and attention though!

types of mannequins

Question 2

Types of mannequins

Answer 2

Realistic
Semirealistic
Semi-abstract
Abstract
Cartoon/Caricature
Headless

Question 3

realistic mannequins

Answer 3

• Mannequins are becoming more natural, more true to life, and more like the people who shop the stores
• You can target a specific type of customer and portray store and fashion image through choice of: body type, pose, complexion, makeup and wig styles

choosing realistic mannequins
-Size/Body Type
Usually based on standard sizes and proportions
Bigger, more athletic and more muscular in America
-Pose
Erect -ideal for formal or tailored clothes
Bent arms and legs -for athletic or action clothes
Seated -for separates, casual wear, lingerie, active sportswear
Lying down -for nightwear, lingerie, swimwear, sportswear
-Complexion
Darker in areas that are sunnier
Variety of ethnicities to choose from
-Makeup & Wigs
More bold in fashion forward store, subtle in traditional store

Question 4

accessories for realistic mannequins

Answer 4

• Removable wigs that add variety and change appearance
• Hard wigs -highly lacquered, cannot be restyled
• Soft wigs -emulate natural hair
• Glass eyes set into open sockets that can be moved

Question 5

semirealistic mannequins

Answer 5

-Proportioned and sculpted like realistic mannequins with some element that is more decorative or stylized
*Makeup that is neither natural nor realistic
*No makeup at all
*All black or all white, or another color
*Hair that is part of the sculpture
The preferred type for male mannequins

Question 6

semi-abstract mannequins

Answer 6

• Even more stylized than the semirealisticmannequin

- Its features (a bump for a nose or a hint of pursed lips) may be painted on or merely suggested

Question 7

abstact mannequins

Answer 7

• The ultimate in style and decoration
• More concerned with creating an effect than natural lines and proportions
• No specific details
• May be finished to match a design scheme
• Sophisticated and versatile, can wear a wide range of clothing
• No wigs or makeup to style or change, built in shoes
• Crosses ethnic lines, no age limits

Question 8

cartoon/caricature mannequins

Answer 8

• Attention-getters

- Oversized or cartoon heads set atop a normal-sized mannequin

Question 9

headless mannequins

Answer 9

• Full-size body with arms and legs, no head
• Often a natural pose -may stand, sit or recline
• Offers no face, no personality, no image
• Works in windows where height is a problem
• Considerably cheaper -no makeup or wig issues

Question 10

alternatives to the mannequin

Answer 10

• A good mannequin is expensive (especially for a small shopkeeper)
• It requires upkeep -paint, new makeup, new wigs
• Dressing mannequins takes time
• Can get visually boring if not moved or changed frequently
• Prevalent trend is away from mannequins, towards other forms

Question 11

three-quarter form

Answer 11

• Has a body extending to the knees, and usually a head (no head is called a torso form) may or may not have arms
• Not as expensive as mannequins, but also not as effective in selling

Question 12

other forms

Answer 12

Trunk form -starts above waistline, continues to knees (for shorts, underwear, swim)
Bra form -headless, armless form of bustline
Bust form -headless, armless form of bust and waistline (shirt form is male version)
Suit form -headless, usually armless, starts at neck and ends at hips
Pants form -waistline to feet
Panty form -waist to knees
Shell form -bust form with back scooped out
Pantyhose form -waist to toes
Stocking/leg form -in shape of a leg

Question 13

soft sculpted figures

Answer 13

• Life-sized dolls covered in jersey-like fabric with little or no facial detail
• Can be shaped and positioned
• Hold and give shape to merchandise, but you really don’t see it
• Needs to be positioned properly and propped, pinned and secured in place
• Not as costly as mannequins

Question 14

articulated artist’s figures

Answer 14

• Wooden or plastic figures with movable joints
• No age, personality, no ethnic quality
• Can used for a full outfit or accessories

Question 15

cutout figures

Answer 15

• A silhouette cutout of wood or heavy board
• Clothes are pinned or accessories draped over it
• Provide little form to merchandise
• Garments can sag, or display person can stuff and fill garments with pads and tissue for form and roundness
• Trendy and avant-garde
• More of a boutique look

Question 16

inflatables

Answer 16

• Life-size balloons that simulate parts of the human anatomy
• Stiff and rigid, lacking grace and beauty of body line
• Inexpensive

Question 17

valet/draper/costumer

Answer 17

-Shaped hanger set atop a vertical rod supported by a base
-On some, skirt or pants can be clipped on under shirt
-Can show off a complete outfit
Some have abstract heads to add height and stature, or shoe platforms

Question 18

hangers

Answer 18

• A simple hanger
• The shirt goes on first, pants are pinned to the shirt
• Padding can be added to limbs
• Wooden rods can be used as hangers

Question 19

lay-down techniques

Answer 19

• Can be used on tables, on furniture, in windows, on ledges, in cases, pinned onto boards, walls or columns
• Requires basics of good composition
• If merchandise is soft and flowing, should be spread out -if hard and tailored, should be sharp and precise

Question 20

pinup techniques

Answer 20

• Uses a panel, wall, or other vertical surface in order to pin, shape and dimensionalizea garment
• No form, mannequins or hangers used
• Garment is pinned to panel and tissue is added to fill out the garment
• The more animated and realistic the position, the better
• Displays humor and wit

Question 21

flying techniques

Answer 21

• Merchandise is pulled, stretched and manipulated by means of fishing line, floats in the open space
• Provides an angular and crisp presentation
• Good for active sportswear, fun and trendy merchandise
• Works best for a line of merchandise (all sweaters) not an outfit
• Effective if main feature is pattern or color, not shape or form

Question 22

dressing mannequins

Answer 22

Taking apart:

1. Put on gloves or make sure hands are washed, make sure you are working in a clean area
2. Remove wig and set aside (or put plastic bag over it)
3. Remove the arms and then hands
4. Remove torso from legs
5. Remove legs from base
6. Disconnect one leg

Reassembling

7. Dress the lower half first
8. Pull the pants over the attached leg and insert the free leg into the other pant leg
9. Secure the detached leg and put the legs back on the base, button the pants
10. Reattach torso to legs and place shirt over head onto torso
11. Slide arms under shirt and back into place, reattach hands to arms
12. Add wig back to head
13. Clean off any scuffs, steam, style and accessorize garment
14. Make sure to lift by the base when putting it back!

Question 23

focus and customer attitude

Answer 23

• The more sophisticated and expensive the merchandise, the more abstract and nonrealistic the mannequin and merchandise presentation can be
• Popular or moderately priced merchandise should be displayed realistically and literally how it should be used and put together