Mannequins....The Purveyors of Fashion Throughout Time

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

This article may be a bit long for some, especially those who don't have much interest in mannequins. But, if you have been fascinated with them, as I have been since the days I sat patiently waiting for my Mother to try on clothes in local dress shops....you will enjoy this article. I remember looking at those lovely mannequins in the windows and salons and thinking that they must have been the most beautiful and aloof models ever.....never speaking, but looking so fashionable in the latest frocks! Demure and mysterious, indeed! David Costa, of Dash N Dazzle Mannequins, posted this on his Facebook page and has a little feature in the article. I hope you enjoy this read as much as I did!

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/what-mannequins-say-about-us/

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Great article....I would love to own that Pierre Imans mannequin modeled after Josephine Baker and a Twiggy mannequin too!

 

[Metro Retro Vintage]

That was a great article Bonnie. The realism of the 20's and 30's displays were amazing.

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

MJ, I have put in a request for a Josephine Baker lookalike for my hats and jewelry! I LOVED that mannequin.....just so fabulous! And, Laura, I enjoyed the vintage photos of the displays so much. Glad you enjoyed this article as much as I did!

 

[Jonathan]

Great article, but I think that guy from Dash and Dazzle over-restores his mannequins - they all look like Vegas showgirls...

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Not all have that look, Jonathan.....I have two that David has restored and they look very vintage, I assure you! One is restored to look like Louise Brooks. Some of his customers do request that he exaggerate the mannequins with more "showgirl" features and as he does meet those requests. I have asked that my mannequins have a distinctly vintage look and the restorations are amazing....I have posted a thread with Arabella, my latest acquisition from David, and she looks very 1920's-30's.

 

[foofoogal]

Great article. I also am fascinated with them.
As a child I was at a friends home and playing hide n seek. Opened a closet and one fell on top of me.
I need 2 of those hands for my vintage mani. The end is oval.
foofogal

 

[amandainvermont]

Thank You - I enjoyed the article.

 

[cmpollack]

Thanks so much for posting the link to this terrific article, Bonnie!

And now I am off to find the thread with a picture of Arabella!

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

I should have posted it with this thread.....Arabella is so interesting because David decided to add "teeth" to this restoration and I think his call on this was spot-on! He takes what would have been considered a throw away and makes it lovely once again!

 

[boncly]

I love the photo of the ca 1910 department store! I wonder if there are any of those old wax mannequins left? I know the wax millinery mannis are still around - and pricey! Does anyone restore those?

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Not sure, but a few years ago, a dealer in our antique mall, had a lovely wax mannequin in his showcase....but, pricey! I was amazed at the condition of this mannequin. I believe it had human hair and the teeth looked like they might have been porcelain.