Chapter 9 Summary

                  Chapter 9 summarizes the use of mannequins. A mannequin may be a store's most valuable asset: it is a “silent salesperson,” speaking the clearest fashion message. A mannequin will stand tirelessly for hours and days, in the same place, in the same position or attitude, always smiling, fresh, and pleasant. Mannequins are becoming more natural, more true to life, more animated, and more identifiable as the people who shop the stores. All mannequins start out as sculpture. Although usually based on standard sizes and proportions, mannequins are created with different bodies and different shapes, attitudes, and positions that will further the image of the garment when the figure is dressed. Most female mannequins manufactured today are a misses or missy size mannequin.The junioe mannequin is a size 5, with all the proportions to match. A junior petite mannequin is the smaller woman's mannequin, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall, short waisted, and a size 3 to 5, with clothes proportioned for the smaller woman. Smaller in all proportions, the petite mannequin has a 32-inch bust, a 21- to 22-inch waist, and 32-inch hips. It is only about 5 feet to 5 feet, 4 inches tall. The semi abstract mannequin is even more stylized and decorative than the semi realistic mannequin. Its features, such as a bump for a nose or a hint of pursed lips, may be painted on or merely suggested. The abstract mannequin represents the ultimate in style and decoration. It is more concerned with creating an overall effect than with reproducing natural lines and proportions. The headless mannequin has a full-size, realistic, or semi abstract body with arms and legs, but no head.