Fred Stockman and the Mannequin: A Legacy in Applied and Decorative Arts

In: Decorative & Applied Arts, Design History
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3 mannequins Lingerie Stockman by Pascal Bandelier (Flickr)
3 mannequins Lingerie Stockman by Pascal Bandelier | https://flic.kr/p/25GDfEn

The Genesis of Modern Mannequins

In the late 19th century, a Belgian artist and entrepreneur named Fred Stockman revolutionized the world of fashion and retail. Migrating to Paris to study tailoring under Lavigne, Stockman was imbued with the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities that would define his career. In 1898, he established ‘Stockman Brothers, Busts and Mannequins,’ marking a pivotal moment in visual merchandising. Stockman was a pioneer in displaying the complete female torso in shop windows, moving away from the traditional partial figures that had dominated displays.

Crafting the Perfect Figure

Siegel & Stockman, borne out of Stockman’s innovative spirit, continues to sculpt and mold busts and tailor’s dummies with an unwavering commitment to quality and aesthetic refinement. This commitment is evident in their mannequins, which grace haute couture houses and shop windows globally, embodying perfect figures, sensual curves, and the epitome of good taste.

Democratisation of Fashion

In an era when custom tailoring was a luxury available only to the wealthy, Stockman foresaw the democratization of fashion. Alongside his associate Siegel, he embarked on manufacturing busts and dummies for the burgeoning ready-to-wear trade and couturiers. This vision led to the standardization of clothing sizes, a concept we take for granted today. Fredric Stockman’s innovation in categorizing the human body into sizes in 1887 was a revolutionary step towards inclusivity in fashion.

Original 1927 Stockman Mannequin Catalogue
Original 1927 Stockman Mannequin Catalogue (embed)

Global Influence and Adaptation

The adaptability of Siegel & Stockman’s mannequins to global diversity in body shapes underscores their commitment to inclusivity and understanding of fashion’s evolving landscape. By catering to the unique morphologies of women worldwide, they have solidified their position in the global market. Their collaboration with fashion giants like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dior, and Saint-Laurent to tailor busts according to fashion trends highlights their relevance and influence in haute couture.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Despite the advancements in production techniques, Siegel & Stockman remains steadfast in their dedication to craftsmanship. The artisanal tradition of handcrafting each piece, from molding to dressing, ensures that quality is never compromised for speed. This dedication to craftsmanship, combined with the legendary French elegance, positions Siegel & Stockman as a beacon of distinguished chic in the fashion industry.

The Legacy of Lifelike Mannequins

Fred Stockman’s contributions extended beyond the commercialization of standardized sizes. He was instrumental in the development of lifelike mannequins with detailed features, such as individual hairs and glass eyes, that provided a new level of realism in retail displays. These innovations not only enhanced the shopping experience but also elevated the presentation of fashion to an art form.

Conclusion

Fred Stockman and Siegel & Stockman have left an indelible mark on the applied and decorative arts through their contributions to the fashion industry. Their legacy is a testament to the power of innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of elegance. As we reflect on their impact, we are reminded of the transformative role of design in our lives and its capacity to shape the world around us.

Sources

MaxAI.me. (n.d.). History — Siegel & Stockman. Retrieved from https://www.siegel-stockman.com/history.

Visual Merchandising: The Image of Selling. (2017). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

The Berg Companion to Fashion. (2015). India: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Thesander, M. (1997). The Feminine Ideal. United Kingdom: Reaktion Books.

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