Recently I toured through Portland Store Fixtures and was absolutely fascinated with all the various mannequins that were hanging around. Some clothed, some not, each with a pose that said something specific about the clothes they were or were not wearing. I was surprised to notice how impactful a mannequin(s) pose/stance is for setting the mood. Typically I don’t notice mannequins very much, but in the aisles of a store that caters to retailers, I couldn’t help but realize how powerful a mannequin can be.
Joe Fresh illustrated my mannequin epiphany with an exhibit at its Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street NYC flagship store, featuring more than 20 mannequins by Ralph Pucci. Each mannequin represents a significant person in the fashion and design world. Mannequins…er…fabulous people featured include:
- Christy Turlington
- Ruben Toledo
- Anna Sui
- Veruschka
- Andree Putman
- Kenny Scharf
The exhibit kicked off for Fashion’s Night Out Sept. 6 and will run through Halloween day. So…if you’re in NYC, you still have time to check out how these inspirational mannequins are lighting up Joe Fresh’s flagship locale.
How do you feel about a mannequin’s impact on the store mood and customer opinion of apparel? Leave your thoughts below!
-Heather Strang
*Photos courtesy of Ralph Pucci.
So, if the Joe Fresh mannequins are made to look like well-known people, does that make them all “posers”? Sorry….couldn’t resist. I’m thrilled to read about your recent mannequin epiphany. What’s not to love about the porcelain tones of fiberglass skin and those wonderful twist-on arms? Seriously, I can remember when we had 2 choices of female mannequin styles for an entire department store. Now, the choices are amazing. I’m working with a client who is trying to locate (and I quote) “3 female mannequins, less than 6′ tall, a/b cups with the KimK backside, not JLo”. I’ll call Portland Store Fixtures and inquire once I figure out the difference in the KK/JLO issue
Great post Heather. Stay display inspired!
~Becky
Becky,
I LOVE that retailers can now be uber specific about what they choose for mannequins. A/B cup with KimK backside is seriously the most awesome request I’ve heard. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love how possibilities are abounding!
Keep rockin it – we love your blog!
Heather
I’m thrilled that you got a chance to come take a look at the store. Thank you so much for the little bit of extra press! We love your blog, so it’s pretty sweet to get to see ourselves in it.
And just in the event that you need to know, KK’s booty is slightly smaller, sits a little higher, and is more evenly distributed than JLo’s butt which sticks out a little further, is a little lower, and is more of the bubble style. Yeah, I’ve actually answered that question before.
Thanks again!
Erin,
LOVE that you actually know all of those details. I think I may take this description to my trainer.
Please tell Kat hi for me – I met her at an eWomen Network meeting recently. You all rock!
Hope to see you on the blog more!
-Heather