JC Penny's Retail Display Mannequins Reflect Diverse Body Types
Laura McQuarrie — July 24, 2014 — Business
Instead of choosing to go to opposite ends of the spectrum with either super skinny or plus-sized retail display mannequins, a new window display at JC Penny features a range of different body types.
The shapes of mannequins can be elongated or abstracted to the point of looking almost inhuman, which makes them great for displaying clothes, but less useful representations of how a garment will actually fit and we've all been deceived or disappointed by this at some point when shopping. The new JC Penny mannequins were inspired by five different real people, including a man with dwarfism, a woman in a wheelchair, a tall female basketball player, an amputee and a plus-sized mom. The mannequins are part of the 'When it Fits, You Feel it' campaign.
The shapes of mannequins can be elongated or abstracted to the point of looking almost inhuman, which makes them great for displaying clothes, but less useful representations of how a garment will actually fit and we've all been deceived or disappointed by this at some point when shopping. The new JC Penny mannequins were inspired by five different real people, including a man with dwarfism, a woman in a wheelchair, a tall female basketball player, an amputee and a plus-sized mom. The mannequins are part of the 'When it Fits, You Feel it' campaign.
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Mannequins - The use of mannequins that represent a diverse range of body types and physical abilities in retail displays
2. Realistic Clothing Displays - Developing mannequins that accurately portray how clothing will fit on different body types and abilities
3. Personification of Products - Creating mannequins that represent specific demographic groups to better connect with customers
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can use inclusive mannequins to better represent the diversity of their customers and disrupt conventional beauty standards
2. Fashion - Fashion designers can use realistic mannequins to showcase their clothing lines to customers of different body types and physical abilities
3. Advertising - Advertisers can use personified mannequins to create a stronger emotional connection with viewers and capture attention in crowded environments
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