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| PHOTO FROM: BECKA.NU |
THIS PHOTO has been going around the global plus size community for some time. I was supposed to blog about it last Monday but I figured that there might be more. I have first seen it in the news feed of PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE if I am not mistaken. The question was (as far as I remember) "People are clamoring that this mannequin be removed because it is a bad example for people with regards to obesity. What do you think?"
I actually said "People need to calm down. It's a mannequin. It's used to show that this store also has bigger sizes than the usual. Geez."
And so after that, I have let it go then I saw it in this article of the Business of Fashion (Click here for the full article). It was through that that I was able to find out more. Apparently, this was taken in a department store in Åhléns, Sweden. After further research, it also turns out that it is the only department store in the area that actually showcases this kind of mannequin (click here for the full article) and MIND YOU it's a size 6. Basically it shows the most common dress size in Sweden.
So after that, the debates started to vary about the photo.
DEBATE 1: IS IT PLUS SIZE?
DEBATE 2: IS IT AN EXAMPLE OF OBESITY?
DEBATE 3: SHOULD MORE STORES HAVE THIS KIND OF DISPLAY METHOD? (DISPLAYING THE MOST COMMON DRESS SIZE IN A COUNTRY?)
As a plus size designer, I don't want to go in too deep with the first two debates. I feel that I will just be repeating myself over and over. Gah. Who would like that? No one. So let's proceed to the THIRD DEBATE ---Should more stores have this kind of display method? Displaying the most common dress size in their country?
I SAY... YES! I think that this would actually help all of womanity in general, specifically in shopping. It's easier to shop with this type of mannequin around. The display can actually help the shopper instantly spot if this clothing carries their size or bigger. Let's all face it, MAJORITY OF US ARE NOT SIZE ZERO, get over it. How many times have you had that experience that you fell in love with this dress and then you go in the store all excited only to find out that it does not carry your size? Now imagine doing that 10 TIMES IN A ROW finding the perfect dress for that formal outfit you are about to go through. TIRING as hell, right? Having a mannequin like this could easily help the shopper spot her options. It's as easy as that.
Also, it would help the customer decide if it the clothing is worth the 'try out'. Since it is in a more realistic setting, the mannequin is already giving a more specific look on what the shopper may look like, if she tries it on. This cuts the shopping decision in half! Remember, expectations and reality sometimes vary. This mannequin can help people decide.
So how about you, Erzulliesta? Should more stores have a mannequin that display the most common dress size in a country? COMMENT HERE.
Cheers!
Aries
