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The term mannequin has undergone a certain change in meaning. While the anatomical mannequin models used by tailors and painters used to be referred to as mannequins, today the term is primarily used to describe catwalk models.
Although the word mannequin comes from French, it has its origins in Dutch. The dolls used by tailors and painters were called mannekijn (meaning "little man" or "manikin").
These anatomical models of a man were used in French aristocratic houses to show off the latest fashions. In some cases, the dressed dolls were even sent to other houses to present the creations.
In 1858, the dolls finally became people when the British fashion designer and silk merchant Charles Frederick Worth began using people instead of mannekijns for the first time. These were mostly tailors and apprentices, but customers' daughters were also used. This gave the term mannequin a new meaning.
In the German-speaking world, the term "Vorführdamen" was used for a long time. However, today it has something old-fashioned about it, which is why it is no longer used.
Until a few years ago, anyone who wanted to work as a catwalk model had to fulfill more or less precisely defined requirements. Mannequins had to have the following attributes:
Above-average attractiveness
Extremely slim
Minimum height between 1.72 and 1.75 meters
Young age (many mannequins started their career at the age of 13 or 14)
Today, however, the exclusion criteria are no longer nearly as strict. The fashion world has changed and with it the need for new mannequins who do not conform to the classic ideal of beauty. Today, plus-size models can be found on the catwalks of the major fashion capitals New York, London, Paris and Milan, as well as so-called best agers.
Basically, every catwalk model today is also referred to as a mannequin. However, the term has fallen somewhat out of fashion. Parallel to the diversification in the modeling world, new sub-terms have emerged that are much more accurate than mannequin.
The somewhat outdated buzzword now includes terms as diverse as:
Model
fashion model
catwalk model
photo model etc.
Many mannequins also only work with a certain part of their body, such as their hands, feet or face. They call themselves part models and the rest of their appearance is irrelevant.
Are you interested in a career as a mannequin? Then Jobwork is the right place for you. Here you will find all the information you need about this profession, which is particularly popular with young women.
Mannequin has retained its original meaning in certain areas to this day. The traditional mannequins that can be found in every fashion store are also referred to as mannequins. Apart from the classic proportions, their appearance is by no means set in stone, but undergoes changes. In line with the current trend, one year the facial features are merely hinted at, while the following year the mannequins are realistically made up.