There are four basic styles of mannequins:
1 Realistic
2 Abstract
3 Headless
4 Bendable
This post discusses abstract mannequins. The other styles of mannequins as well as how to select the right pose for your mannequin are discussed in individual postings in our “How to select the right mannequin for your business” series on our
Buying a mannequin – even a used one – can be expensive, so here are some tips to help you select the right style of mannequin for your needs. Whether you have an online store, retail store or sell at a trade-show, your mannequins are an extension of your brand.
A mannequin is your silent salesperson and the right one will enhance your image and your products, the wrong one will detract or send a mixed message to your customers.
Abstract Mannequins come in a variety of styles. There are abstracts with realistic facial features and make-up but hair that is either sculpted or painted on.
There are abstracts with facial features that have a futuristic look or with classic features that transcend any era.
A very popular style of abstract mannequin is the “egghead,” which has a smooth oval head and no defined facial features.
Sometimes egghead mannequins come in bright colors to complement the décor of the retail store.
And lastly there are “art” abstract mannequins with comical or whimsical faces. Companies such as Ralph Pucci International create limited edition mannequins designed by notable artists or designers. This style mannequin is popular with cutting edge boutiques and individuals who want mannequins as art pieces instead of merely a vehicle to display clothing.
Many retailers choose abstracts because it still allows them to have all the functionality of a realistic like the ability to accessorize the mannequin with a hat, sunglasses and earrings, without limiting them to a specific demographic. (or hair and make-up to maintain)
A brand new abstract mannequin from a high end manufacturer can cost between $750-$1200. Mannequins imported from Asia can retail between $150-$400. The disparity in price comes from the quality of the materials used, thickness of the fiberglass, type of paint, and craftsmanship of the mannequin.
If you put a quality mannequin and a cheap mannequin next to each other and there is a noticeable difference. The attachment arm and leg fittings on cheap mannequins are aluminum or plastic (sometimes painted to look like metal) instead of metal found in more expensive mannequins. The stands on cheaper mannequins are not as strong or sturdy.
These are some of the reasons why you can pay more for a used mannequin made by a high end manufacturer than a brand new mannequin imported from China. Similar to buying a used but authentic Louis Vuitton purse at a consignment store versus a knockoff version from a street vendor.
As a rule of thumb the more expensive the items you are selling, the better the quality of mannequin you should use. For example the type of mannequin at JC Penney is different that what you’d see at Neiman Marcus.
Retail stores where the mannequins have to be the latest trend, look good and durable enough to withstand frequent clothing changes and manhandling (by lots of staff and customers) buy the more expensive mannequins. Not everyone needs to pay the premium prices of these.
You can either buy gently used versions of the high end mannequins (see list of manufacturers below) or buy the better quality imports from China. These imports are ideal for online vendors, smaller boutiques or people who use a mannequin infrequently say at trade-shows or for seasonal displays.
Here are some of the high end mannequin manufacturers:
Rootstein Patina V Goldsmith Hindsgaul Greneker Pucci
Silvestri CNL Mannequins Fusion Specialities Schlappi
These are some of the reasons why you can pay more for a used mannequin made by a high end manufacturer than a brand new mannequin imported from China. Similar to buying a used but authentic Louis Vuitton purse at a consignment store versus a knockoff version from a street vendor.
This guide was written by Mannequin Madness, www.MannequinMadness.com an mannequin liquidator that carries new and used mannequins. All of the images in this posting are of mannequins that we have had or currently have in our inventory.
