Following a customer compliant made on Facebook, Topshop has announced that it will no longer order a particular type of strangely-shaped, ultra-skinny mannequin. Laura Berry posted an image of the mannequin style at Topshop’s Cribb’s Causeway store in Bristol on the brand’s Facebook page, saying that she was planning on buying a new pair of Jamie jeans, but was, “stopped in my tracks by the mannequin.”
Berry wrote to Topshop, “As you are aware, the year is 2015. A time when I like to believe we are conscious of the harsh unrealities often imposed on us by the fashion industry (the 90’s is famous for its skinny runway models.)” Explaining that many women and men struggle with their body image, Berry challenged the high street giant on its mannequin choice, saying: “I’d love to hear how you can justify the ridiculously tiny mannequin in your Bristol Cribbs Causeway store?” suggesting, “Perhaps it’s about time you became responsible for the impression you have on women and young girls and helped them feel good about themselves rather than impose these ridiculous standards.”
Initially, Topshop responded with the usual request to send a direct message, but later posted a longer, public response. Though saying that the mannequin in the picture, “is based on a standard UK size 10”, Topshop admits that the mannequin’s height (187cm), “is taller than the average girl” and that, “the form is stylized to have more impact in store.” A negative impact, in this case.
Despite trying to explain-away the mannequin’s very thin legs by saying that the, “form needs to be of certain dimensions to allow clothing to be put on and removed easily” and therefore is, “not meant to be a representation of the average female body,” Topshop has confirmed that this style will not be ordered again, saying: “We have taken yours and other customers’ opinions and feedback on board and going forward we are not placing any further orders on this style of mannequin”.