subject: Mannequins Vs. Dress Forms in the Garment Industry [print this page] Mannequins VsMannequins Vs. Dress Forms in the Garment Industry
It has already been fully integrated into the expectations of consumers to expect more than just clothing when shopping in clothing store. The countless millions that are spent year in and year out on consumer research and development, not to mention interior design, is a farther testament to the innovation of modern industrialism and its continuing contributions to the enhancement of human experience.
The obvious reasons for this is in order to maintain the appearance of novelty and creative ingenuity which is the way stores entice people to ether start or continue their patronage in there store as opposed to any other.
Having stated the above I want to relegate my brief analysis to a small and underappreciated element in the fashion/clothing business. And that is the small and yet so effective ploy of mannequins and dress forms.
As I'm sure you are aware, mannequins are fabricated from ether fiberglass or plastic and are shaped to all colors, sizes and genders. They are used to show the potential customer a preview of what he or she might look like in a given outfit. They accomplish a subtle suggestion that the shape and size of the garment on the mannequin will look that same good on you. Which in a way I deceptive because there are not to many men or women who are as fit or slim as mannequins and in a way it is dishonest but at the same time you can't blame a business for taking advantage of indirect suggestion. it is not the fault of a company that the average consumer does not employ his or her ability of critical thought as often as they should, But ill return now from my digression.
Dress forms are similar in what they are supposed to do to what mannequins accomplish but they are a far more creative and artistic expression of the same concept i.e. get people to bring their patronage to your establishment.
Yet here lies the deference and the point that I'm driving at. Mannequins are good for bigger more mainstream department stores like Macy's of century 21 (if you live on the east coast) however dress from which more often than not are fabricated from various materials are much more effective in boutiques and excusive establishments because they are very specific and therefore cater to a more discriminate and scrutinizing shopper as opposed to mannequins which are more generic and therefore more inviting to a wider range of customers.
