Buying a mannequin - even a used one - can be expensive so here are some tips to make sure you buy the right mannequin for your needs. The tips in this guide are for full-bodied mannequins, not dress forms which are discussed in another guide. This guide was
written by
, the largest mannequin liquidator in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mannequins are called silent salespeople because they make products look more appealing. Ebay vendors say items photographed on a mannequin sell faster and at a higher price than the same item photographed on a hanger or on the floor. People always react better when they see clothing as it should be worn.
There are 4 basic styles of mannequins - Realistic, Abstract, Headless and Bendable.
Realistic Mannequins have clearly defined facial features and wigs styled in life-like hair styles. This is the style of mannequin used in the windows of high-end retail stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Victoria Secret recently installed realistic mannequins in many of their locations.
Realistic mannequins are like Supermodels - a little high maintenance but their striking presence causes people to look and take notice.
Some of realistic mannequins - the more expensive ones - are fiberglass sculptures of actual real-life supermodels.
You can get more versatility out of a realistic mannequin by putting different style wigs on it, which dramatically alters their “personality.” However maintaining the hair and make-up on a realistic mannequin can be time-consuming and if it does not stay
contemporary looking it can “age” the mannequin. Unless you are selling vintage clothing, this is not a good thing.
Abstract Mannequins – There are several styles of abstract mannequins. There are ones with vaguely realistic facial features with hair that is either sculpted or painted on. Their facial features can either have a futuristic, space age look or have timeless classic features
that transcend any era. This style mannequin is found at Ralph Lauren and Niketown.
Another style of abstract mannequin is the “egghead,” a mannequin with a smooth oval head and no defined facial features. Vera Wang used this style mannequin in her famously successful 2006 advertising campaign.
And lastly there are “art” mannequins, abstract mannequins with comical or whimsical faces and are often limited edition pieces designed by notable artists or designers such as Maira Kalman, Andree Putnam, Jeffrey Fulvimari and Anna Sui. This style mannequin is popular with cutting edge boutiques and people who want mannequins as art pieces instead of merely a vehicle to display clothing.
Headless Mannequins - As the name implies, headless mannequins, these mannequins have no head, they stop at the neck. The neck might be elongated, a straight cut or have a decorative element on top.
There are two schools of thought regarding the anonymous nature of a headless mannequin. Some believe that headless mannequins are good because they direct customers to look at the clothing, instead of possibly being distracted by the persona of the mannequin.
Banana Republic and The Gap use headless mannequins in their windows.
Others believe headless mannequins make it harder for people to visualize or fantasize themselves in the clothing. Vendors who want to
accessorize their clothing with hats or earrings obviously cannot use a headless mannequin.
Headless mannequins are typically less expensive to buy than a mannequin with a head and they are easier to maintain because there is no hair or make-up that must be tended to. This is why headless mannequins are extremely popular both with on and offline vendors.
Some Ebay sellers turn a headless female mannequin around backwards and use the mannequin to photograph men’s shirts – that is really stretching your visual merchandising dollars!
Bendable mannequins are usually a wire frame that is stuffed with a sponge type filling and then covered in a canvas or jersey material. All of their joints – unlike the mannequins mentioned above - are bendable. This style of mannequin was popularized by The Baby Gap
and Gymboree.
Although bendable mannequins come in all sizes 90% of the bendable mannequins on the market are used to display children’s clothing, not adult clothing. Bendable mannequins can either have a head with no facial features or if they are headless, they have a removable hat attachment.
Sponsored Links
Opening A New Store?
Or- looking to take your retail business to the next level of sales, profits, and cash? Get a Free
initial consultation.
Retail-Consultant.com
A Do-it-yourself Image Planner For Your Retail Business. Learn How To Effectively Market Without Markdowns
While Creating A Polished And Professional Look In Your Store
Find the BEST PRICES
on Mannequins here!
The merchants listed on MannequinAuction.com operate independently from MannequinAuction.com. MannequinAuction.com does not assume responsibility for transactions conducted with them. Some images seen or described herein are for descriptive purposes only. Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within are the property of their respective trademark holders.
