Mannequins are the latest must-have customer as the coronavirus pandemic has forced restaurants to institute social distancing practices and limit capacity. Here is another example of a restaurant using mannequins as faux patrons, but with a twist.
Dozens of restaurants and bars in the county, upon reopening, are now acting as displays for local designers to feature their fashions by adorning the sitting mannequins in the season’s latest looks.
More than 60 mannequins modeling local designer’s clothes from 19 boutiques are featured in dozens of restaurants and cafés in the city’s Old Town Glass Quarter, according to the release. The mayor, Remigijus Šimašius, called the idea “a perfect match of communal spirit and creativity.”
Patrons of the restaurants can do more than just window shop, though. Each mannequin is seated at a table which has information about where each outfit can be purchased.
The trendy social-distancing stunt has been embraced by the city, and IDW, one of Europe’s leading high-quality mannequin manufacturers, which has provided the mannequins for free, the release shared.
“The fashion industry is particularly affected by the lockdown,” said Julia Janus. “Local boutiques used to sell the niche, original pieces created by local designers. As they are currently closed due to the quarantine, designers do not have many opportunities to showcase their latest collections, and in general, the consumption is down. We hope that this campaign will move the waters and local designers will gain some visibility.”
