ABSTRACT
Resolute and imperial with undeniable grace and elegance, they can appear to be endlessly happy, unapproachable, and vacant, and sometimes hopelessly sad. They are often more than a little smug, bored with our endless ogling and constant fussing. From the humblest of stages to the most elaborate and dazzling sets, they are a united breed, the epitome of calculated beauty and meticulous perfection, inspiring the envious glances of women and admiring stares of men. While they are part of a long tradition constructed around concepts of ideal beauty, they were born with a specific purpose and retain their practical origins. Despite their seemingly effortless and immaculate appearance, mannequins work harder to sell clothes, elicit buyers, and encourage consumption than even the most expedient salespeople.
