They're Going Neck And Neck
Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
Sometimes you see something that just stops you in your tracks. You know, like the Road Runner screeching to a halt, with all the attendant sound effects. And yes, it does happen to me a lot. So there I was, with my camera slung around my neck in Singapore, when I saw these mannequins.
Not only were they draped with some interesting fabrics and designs, it was – as you’d expect – the fact that they had no heads that brought me to a standstill. The bronze-gold effect on the necks also gave me some interesting colours and reflections to work with.
So what happened to the heads? Did they get lopped off? Or perhaps we must ask ourselves one of Life’s Most Crucial Questions – are mannequins cheaper if they are just a torso with no head? What’s your theory? Do let me know what you think.
Not only were they draped with some interesting fabrics and designs, it was – as you’d expect – the fact that they had no heads that brought me to a standstill. The bronze-gold effect on the necks also gave me some interesting colours and reflections to work with.
So what happened to the heads? Did they get lopped off? Or perhaps we must ask ourselves one of Life’s Most Crucial Questions – are mannequins cheaper if they are just a torso with no head? What’s your theory? Do let me know what you think.
31 comments:
Interesting picture, David. And welcome back.
I guess whoever designed these mannequins was headless, rather than legless.
CJ xx
Love the shot!
I was going to say they're not top models, more topped models. Then I realised you need to know that supermodels are called top models in France.
Or perhaps the Anne Boleyn look is all the rage in the fashion industry?
Whatever, great photos!
Great pic!
I think they make them headless so you can picture yourself wearing it more easily - not that you are headless, but that there is no other face to distract you.
Great shot. could be they are cheaper with no heads or it could be that the heads would detract fom the fabrics! Who knows.
Lovely shot, David. And thank you for capturing it. What caught my eye was the red and turquoise together. They did it with clothes instead of jewelry, and while I've put the two together for some reason the fashion industry doesn't do it very often. I find the combination fascinating.
Joy!
Great picture David and I love the caption to your blog too!
Have a good weekend!
Kimmy
The did it becasue they knew someone like you would come along, be fascinated by it and take a picture.
Nice shot.
Perhpa the heads are somewhere else in the same shop... selling hats perhaps?
Fox hunting party is it? That's how I like to see them in my mind. How kind of you to put it in perspective lol
Sandi
Hmm... maybe there are no heads so we won't be distracted or so we stop in our tracks when we notice there are no heads. I love the shiny gold look against the rougher texture of the clothing. If I were there I would have wanted to touch the shiny top part. Then probably the mannequin would have toppled over but at least I wouldn't have to worry about breaking their heads! First time at your blog - and as a truly beginner photographer I admire your work.
lmao love it!
You do ponder on the strangest things. I had never considered if a mannequin might be cheaper without a head, but it makes sense. And from the shop's point of view, why buy one with a head unless you are selling hats, or earrings or wigs?
Interesting shot. Very uniformly arranged but the different colours break up the regimentation.
Unfortunately I cannot concentrate on it because I can't get the image out of my head of a 6'3" Aussie screeching to halt and doing that Road Runner "booiinngg!" as the dust settles behind him and his camera twirls around his neck with the force of stopping.... lol
I think someone decided to do it that way just to get people to stop. And if they stop, they see the clothes.
Oh....life's little mysteries!
La Donna
Oh, you know, those mindless designers, they'll most anything that comes into their heads (less).
I can imagine the argument in the back room. "You can't put clothes on headless mannequins! It's maccabre!" "But, Boss! It'll be so French. And it'll be way cheaper, too."
Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog and saying nice things about my photos.
Maybe it's a marketing thing...if we don't like the looks of the face, we're not going to like the clothes.
Yes, tee hee....the Anne Boelyn look...King Henry's fashions!
I remember being totally creeped out when I saw mannequins that were just torsos in department stores when I was a kid. Frankly I still think its weird. No arms, no legs, no heads...
Once again, your perspective through the lens fascinates me! I look forward to you PSF entries every week!
Love where you find the magic. It's everywhere, isn't it?
Stunning!
Caught my attention immediately! Food for the eye!
I think they would be easier to dress. I know I would be easier to dress without my head. Ha ha.
Nice shot and a very interesting question.
As always you photo is interesting. love it. I think it must be cheaper w/o a head.
LOL - You're pun at the end is too funny.
The headless mannequin thing began when I was a small child and it scared the crap out of me..
I'm not sure if it's a matter of style or economy.
I once read that some fashion designers purposely request unattractive models because the model is essentially a "clothes hanger". They want people to see the clothes and not the model. I suppose the same thing could apply to mannequins? I'm more distracted by them being headless. :)
lovely shot. I'm wondering, do you ask first, or go with the moment when you see a nice shot like this in a shop. I took a photo in a Deli and you would've thought I had created treason the way a woman acted (it was of the way the light was hitting the counter-- no people involved).
Headless mannequins have the advantage of no bad hair days and think of all the money saved on hairdressing.
Ahhhh the oldest trick in the book... they want you to stare at the clothes and not be distracted by the face! So I guess all the heads are in a salon somewhere modeling wigs!!!
I think they did exactly what they were designed to do headless....to make one stop and see what they had on or what they were selling....a very nice shot, BTW...regardless of why you took it!!!
The black ones have really long necks as well, I'm sure they are out of proportion! I think they are headless so that you can see over the top of them, and then the display doesn't section off part of the store - but if they had been put on a raised plinth they would have anyway, so then my theory bites the dust!
Wow, that's deep lol pretty funny stuff you write, I really like the photo :)
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