Windows dummies is something I have been fascinated with for a long time. Real size dolls or modern of version of sculptures, it's hard to feel insensitive to such realism. I like their perfection and stillness. When I was working at a big charity shop in Glasgow, I was in charge of the window dressing which has been the most exciting 'job' I have ever done (with selling on Summer junk fairs). I would pick the best items in the shop and brainstorm to create a theme in less than 30 minutes. I had never studied window dressing or never been involved with it so I had to rely purely on my eye and my intuition. On many occasions, the items shifted so quickly that I had to redo the window several times during the day. How I would love to do this on a permanent basis!

I had heights of extravaganzaz that soon attracted some remarks from my manager that the windows were certainly beautiful but a bit 'too much' for a charity shop. Maybe putting an glitzy cowboy hat and a feather boa on the male dummy was indeed too much or was it? I had also placed a few interesting looking chairs in the shop for what I used to call the 'passive' customers, you know the ones who've been dragged there and obviously don't enjoy the trip to the small crowded shop at all. My passive customers and elderly people absolutely loved the chairs but every week they would mysteriously go back to the basement (if not sold) so I gave up after a while.



Pucci mannequin

My biggest victory against the manager's remarks came from the customers' comments themselves. They would compliment the windows and the items with eyes full of delight and amazement. In fact I had simply attempted to recreate the Ali Baba's cavern feeling. I even heard once a woman whisper she hadn't recognized the shop when she passed by. I really wanted to make a statement among the other charity shops of the streets. No need to demonstrate that what's called 'silent marketing' is a powerful tool to get the people in. My colleagues later mentioned to me that when I wasn't there, the sales would drop noticeably. Why should a charity shop window necessarily look like a charity shop window? That is the question...



A lingerie boutique in rue Saint-Honore in Paris (the longest street in the city)
Source: myself



Pucci mannequin designed by and for Anna Sui



Same as above



Detail of a head, same as above



Pucci mannequin designed by Anja Kroencke. Anja Kroencke is an Austrian fashion illustrator and you've certainly come across her work in fashion magazines. More on her cool website http://www.anjakroencke.com



Mannequin used for the DKNY Spring 2005 collection (source/photo Stuart Ramson)



Pucci mannequin head by Ruben Toledo (Cuban artist/painter/illustrator). I particularly like his contribution to 'the little black book of style' by Nina Garcia



Mannequin from Les Puces de Clignancourt (the biggest flea market in Paris). My thanks to Tara for the beautiful shot! Tara is an American living in Paris and rarely I have seen such an interesting tribute to my city of birth. Find more at her blog
http://parisparfait.typepad.com



And I couldn't finish the post without including some display from beloved Biba!

Sources: Pucci mannequins http://www.ralphpucci.net, Tara Bradford, Stuart Ramson, Anna Sui, http://www.bibacollection.co.uk