Mannequins are so ubiquitous it’s easy to downplay their visual impact. That is, until something changes.

Mannequins have historically gone through trend cycles, according to experts. But they are in the midst of a very important evolution.

For years, they were seen as simply a way to display fashion apparel at its best, or as part of a larger merchandising strategy. Yet, mannequins aren’t simply a method of placing clothing on display. Retailers are beginning to recognize that body forms can help customers see themselves reflected in their brand and drive deep loyalty. Mannequins, it seems, can be a way for a company to reiterate brand values.

If you are hosting a fashion themed birthday party, bat mitzvah, bachelorette party or fundraiser the decorations have to be on point. Fashion about about making a statement and looking good.

To get your guests to go “ooh” and “aah” at the décor, here are 10 ways to repurpose a mannequin dress form into an instaworthy centerpiece, gift holder or room décor. These examples are from event planners from all over the world.  If you are inspired by these ideas, we can provide the dress forms. See discount coupon code in the last paragraph. 

1 Using the pink, black and white palette for her event, this event planner used a mannequin torso to create a cupcake stand. The mannequin fits nicely into the color scheme and helps project the style of the event.

Mannequins and mannequin torsos are the ideal elements to bring some extra “jazz” to your bedroom and closet. They can be purely aesthetic, mostly practical, or both.

There are 3 basic ways that you can use mannequins and torsos in the bedroom/closet area – see below.

1. Display Scarves & Jewelry

First, you can use a torso to display scarves, belts and jewelry. This is also practical because it reduces the space for those items, and you can use this strategy to display your favorite items or certain items that raise the overall “haute couture” look of your closet. These items will “glam it up,” as they say.

I was browsing through my Pinterest board devoted to Gay Pride window display ideas. I noticed that many of the pins were fairly dated looking. I wondered why.

Then, I realized the reality: We’ve come a long, long ways from the days when people were bullied and harassed for expressing their sexual identities publicly since same-sex marriage was made legal. (Except if you live in Florida)

Now, I’m not saying these issues don’t still exist, but retailers seem to promote Gay Pride window displays now with banners and signage, not with mannequins.