Jun 26, 1999/ FW/ --- What do Yves Saint Laurent, Krizia, Bill Blass, and Halston have in common? They were all part of Fashion Fusion!

Held last December 1998 at Shop East New York, Fashion Fusion was the vehicle used by Greneker to launch their new mannequin collection.

Featuring mannequins designed and sculpted by Robert Patterson, a British manenquin sculptor, Fashion Fusion saw the launch of the "split-toe" mannequin. The big toe is separated from the others. This makes using shoes with thongs for a display very easy.

Thongs and slip-ons come in season during Spring and Fall. To compliment the "seasonal" significance of the split-toe mannequins, the Spring 1998 collection from famous designers were used.

It was truly a fashion show! The only difference, all the models were mannequins. Yes, instead of Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss, the clothes were modeled by your regular department store mannequins.

How was the fashion show conducted since all the models were frozen?

Just like a store window display with a touch of ramp modelling. Ian Proetta, Producer and Director of Fashion Fusion literally created a Spring Fashion Show in the style of store windows for named designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Krizia, Bill Blass, Krizia and Halston using the Greneker mannequins as models.

To complete the catwalk feel, Vidal Sassoon, John Paul Mitchell and Bobbi Brown did the mannequins' make-up and hair.

It was a Visual Merchandiser's dream come true - the big names of the fashion industry giving their names and talents to a display.