Mannequin Fashion Mysteries
Are We Really Dressing More “Normal” Today?
I went to the mall in San Francisco this afternoon to help my girlfriend pick out some outfits for work, and was surprised at what Nordstrom’s is putting on mannequins these days. What is going through retailer’s minds when they dress these mannequins? Do retailers think this is what people want to buy and wear, or is their strategy simply a marketing gimmick? The outfit on the right is half decent, but what is going on with the one on the left?
Retail Fashion Questions
- What message are retailers trying to send with unusual mannequin displays?
- Is there a disconnect between what’s displayed and what people actually buy?
- How effective are these attention-grabbing displays at driving sales?
The Current State of Fashion
Even though outfits put on display can be outrageous, what people are actually buying these days tends to be pretty tame. This topic led to an entire discussion on what the current state of fashion really is. I think we are living in a time when people really do have a good sense of fashion, and I’d actually say people are dressing more “normal” than any point in the last 30 years.
I know we really can’t define normal, but in 20 years if we look back at fashion’s current state will we be able to define it? How would you describe our current state of fashion?
1980s
Bold colors, big hair, shoulder pads, and distinct subcultures
1990s
Grunge, minimalism, hip-hop influence, and platform shoes
2000s
Low-rise jeans, velour tracksuits, and fast fashion boom
Today
More “normal”? Athleisure, sustainable options, and personalization
What’s Your Take?
How would you describe fashion in our current era? Will it have a distinct identity when we look back?
Anna says:
ugh, they are hideous…no way in heck would any girl i know want to wear that crap.
oh yeah…p.s.- love the natal video posted about xbox. wish i could do that on my “borrowed” site =)