A mannequin dress form can be a powerful tool to use for a deeply personal and therapeutic way to honor a deceased loved one. Here are a few examples,
- A Tribute with Textiles.
When my mom and grandmother died they left behind a collection of vintage handkerchiefs. These date back to an era when ladies wore gloves, a hat and kept a handkerchief in her purse.
They were too pretty to throw away, especially the ones monogrammed with their initials. But not something I would use. So one of my staff members made a “skirt” with them on a vintage style wire dress form which I have on display in my office. And it is quite the conversation piece.
The same idea could be done with scarves or ties.
2 A three dimensional photo album
Instead of having heirloom photos in a drawer on in a photo album, why not have them on display where you can see them? Perhaps put a vintage garment on the mannequin as in the example above with a petticoat and a veil and then attach the photographs to the garment. And the crown added to the neck cap adds visual interest.
3 Angel or Guardian Figure
Turn the mannequin into a symbolic guardian angel or spirit guide adding angel wings. You can place lights or candles around it for a peaceful ambiance.
4. Light Installation
Wrap the mannequin in fairy lights and lace it in a space where it can serve as a comforting presence. The light can symbolize your loved one’s ongoing presence in your life.
At Manenquin Madness we have a wide variety of new and used dress forms for sale for all the projects above. And our Amazon store has vintage style wire dress forms, crowns and angel wings that are profiled in this article.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
