Jim Rhine your roving reporter here talking With Alice Seifullah, Proprietor of Portraits Plus Art Studios. Alice is a collector of vintage clothing and mannequins.

J.R.: You have some old mannequins which can be considered collector's items, how did you start collecting mannequins?

A.S.: When I started the shop, I didn't have any sales people. And the mannequins became my sales force. I initially started out with one Mannequin. I went to a place called Apple Display located around East 30th and Prospect. and I purchased one Mannequin for the shop. Within a month's time I had 10. Some of them are not full bodies, but I have several that are full bodies. I went to Auctions and Liquidation sales to acquire my mannequins.

J.R.: So then, you bought them used?

A.S.: Uh huh. which I would suggest to anyone else looking for them (Giggle) Because they're expensive... Very expensive. I've been blessed to have found the quality of Mannequins that I've found, which are Greneckers and Wolfs.

J.R.: What are your thoughts about your collections?

A.S.: They're good sales people.

J.R.: Will you keep your mannequin collection if you decide to retire from your store?

A.S.: Yes, I will! Would you Sell your mannequin, Leia?

J.R.: NO WAY!

A.S.: I don't want to sell them. They're worth a lot more than what we paid for them. You and I were blessed to get our mannequins. It was like finding a Diamond in the Rough. I didn't know how to work the Mannequin I was shown how to lift the arm, but the mannequins were very awkward at first. I don't have to hire anyone because they sell the garment for me. and I like their personalities. Will my Husband let me keep them? NO COMMENT!

J.R.: In your opinion, what is so special about Mannequins,

A.S.: Mannequins give people the illusion or insight on what the garment would look like on them. It helps people who don't have a clue about how to coordinate outfits, what to do, how to accessorize, I feel personally that most stores ought to have Mannequins look relatively real or real enough to give you an illusion to say, "Hey! I can look like that!"

So while visiting Cleveland, be sure to stop by Portraits plus Art Studios located in the Historic Old Arcade. 401 Euclid Avenue Suite 158, Cleveland Ohio 44114