Collecting Antique Mannequins

 

If you have a love for antique clothing, then an antique mannequin has been, or is, on your wish list!  Collecting antique mannequins and dress forms is a challenging but fun hobby! In this post I’m sharing a few of our latest antique mannequin, or dress form, finds.

 

 

 

 

I am always smitten with Victorian mannequins, and always, always look for them on buying trips.  Sadly, most of them are in quite a state, it’s always a party at FrenchGardenHouse when we find a few that have survived the centuries!

 

Dress-forms are easier to find. The main difference between a mannequin and dressform is that mannequins have legs, and sometimes arms. They were used a shop displays. Dress-forms are just a body, usually on a metal or wood stand, used by seamstresses.

 

This mannequin has seen better days, but still rare to find!

 

HISTORY

 

Some believe that mannequins were copied after the fifteenth century miniature fashion dolls – Milliner’s Mannequins. The dolls were dressed in expensive fashions made from sumptuous fabrics, and sent along to noble clients,  The noble or wealthy client could then “see” what a certain gown or suit would look like, and order real life size clothing for themselves.

 

In 1835,  a Parisian ironmonger developed a wire work mannequin, or dress-form, but it wasn’t until the mid 1800’s that the first dressmaker’s mannequins were made.

 

 

 

Alexis Lavigne, a French tailor and inventor established the first fashion school in the world in France in 1841. In 1847 he invented the soft metric tape measure, and developed tailor’s dummies. He exhibited his first fashion Bust Mannequin in the International Exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He opened a mannequin house in France in the 1850’s. Later he collaborated with Fred Stockman to develop mannequins with heads, arms and legs from wax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mannequin
noun

1. an artist’s, tailor’s or dressmaker’s lay figure.
2. a form representing the human figure used especially for displaying clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S DECOR

 

 

Antique Mannequins add so much elegance and style to your decor. They make a statement in every room!  This office designed by Sue Humphreys shows how a small dress-form can add a decorative and fun element.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my own office at FrenchGardenHouse, my mannequins are always here to keep me company.  I call them my “muses”…

 

 

 

 

 

In our living room, my very favorite French mannequins hold court.  I often dress them with antique jewelry, or celebratory ribbons. Because #antiqueswanttohavefun.  {Or…as my children say #ourMomisalittlecrazy}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A larger version sits in the hallway. Often dressed in an antique collar, he stands guard by the umbrellas and coats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even our FrenchGardenHouse shipping department has vintage dress forms!

 

 

 

 

 

Our master bedroom/bathroom has one too!

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we use our antique and vintage mannequins and dress forms here at the shop to display antique jewelry.  They make great photo props too.

 

 

 

 

Antique mannequins and dress forms add flair and a certain French je ne sais quoi to your home decor.  Obviously I can’t keep all of them to myself…that wouldn’t be nice.

 

 

Here are a few of the latest ones we’ve found for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOP ANTIQUE BOUDOIR >

 

 

 

DO YOU LOVE ANTIQUE MANNEQUINS AND DRESS FORMS? HOW DO YOU USE YOURS AT HOME?

 

 

 

A BIENTOT

 

 

Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com