Jan, 2000 / FW/ --- There are two groups of people who work directly and constantly with mannequins: the Visual Merchandisers and the Mannequin Manufacturers.

Their points of view are similar and yet dichotomous in a lot of ways. Visual Merchandisers are the end users, while the manufacturers are the creators who in turn are also the innovators.

Visual Merchandisers see mannequins as a tool of the trade; another item in their bag of tricks. A very important item no doubt, yet still a tool that has to be maintained and cared for like any visual prop or display.

Here is a sampling of Visual Merchandisers' opinions about mannequins:

Billy from Los Angeles: "To me, realistic mannequins from Adel Rootstein is the best. I like realistic mannequins. They give better impact on the display than abstracts.

Richard from Guam: "I like working with "sculpted head" mannequins. I like their realism and I don't have to work with wigs. Fixing their make-up is not much of a problem either."

Dexter from San Diego: "I think my favorite mannequins are the Puccis. They show off the clothes very well. And I love their faces. Yes, they are not realistic, but to me that is the whole point. I have worked with realistic mannequins for years and they are too much trouble. You have to fix their wigs and make-up all the time, and their maintainance is a nightmare. One little scratch and off they go to the refurbisher. Realistic mannequins are too much trouble in my book. I like to show off the clothes not the mannequins."

Pat from Honululu: "I wish that someone will invent something like the epoxy paint for mannequins. That way, I do not have to worry about chipped paint or scarred mannequins all the time. Living in Honolulu, we have to send off the mannequins to the mainland to be refurbished. And if you include shipping and handling, plus the cost of the refurbishing, it is almost better to buy a new one.

Rochelle from Dallas: "I like the new design by Greneker. Finally, someone thought of having split toes on the mannequins. Before I cannot use sandals when using mannequins because I will need to destroy the shoes. Now, I don't have to worry about that because of Greneker's new mannequin line.