History of Mannequins: From their origins to the present day

Nowadays, no one is surprised to see a mannequin in a shop window or inside a shop. They are such everyday items for us that it is hard to imagine how clothes were displayed before they existed. But do we know when mannequins were actually invented? Before you continue reading the article, let’s make a mental wager and think about what era you think they were created in.

Mannequins are essential in today’s fashion industry, as their primary use is to display clothes and accessories attractively so that people can visualise how the garment would look on them. They are also frequently used in museums and exhibitions, an aspect more focused on art and design. However, they are not a recent invention: The ancient Egyptians were the first to use human figures to fit garments for the pharaoh. How have they evolved since then?

Mannequins in Ancient Egypt

Yes, mannequins have their roots in antiquity. In Ancient Egypt, wooden or clay figures were already being made and were used by the tailors of the time to test their clothes. Later civilisations, such as the Greeks and Romans, also adopted this practice. However, the fall of the Roman Empire marked a decline in the manufacture of mannequins, and it was centuries before they re-emerged in medieval Europe.

Mannequins in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, mannequins were again created, but they were simple miniature models that imitated the human torso. These torsos were made with rods to show fashion to customers, so they bore no resemblance to the aesthetics we know today.

However, it is believed that it was in this historical period that the origin of the word mannequin was coined. The word “mannequin” comes from French, derived from the Flemish “manneken“, meaning ‘little man’.

The renaissance of mannequins: from 15th century miniatures to life-size models in the 18th century

As mentioned, the first versions of mannequins were basically miniatures to show the latest fashion trends. But the European Renaissance brought with it a resurgence of interest in fashion and couture. During this period, more realistic mannequins emerged, as the growth of the fashion industry created an increasing demand for more versatile and aesthetic figures.

The most notable innovation of this period was life-size wicker mannequins. In addition, this era marked a significant change in their functionality and aesthetics, reflecting the silhouettes and fashion styles of the time.