DALLAS, May 17, 2002 / FW/ --- Although the physical fitness craze continued during the 1990s, plus-size, juniors and maternity fashion were finally recognized as a big part of the fashion industry.

With the entrance of big fashion houses, which include Elisabeth by Liz Claiborne and Lane Bryant, mannequins finally found itself some "friends" in the plus size business.

As a response, mannequin companies such as Pucci and Silvestri started manufacturing plus-size mannequins.

The "ideal beauty" continue to be waif-like with the ideal size 4 as the standard. Adel Rootstein created the Jodie Kidd mannequin, one of the models who dominated the fashion runways during the 1990s.

But the biggest development in the looks of mannequin is the acceptance of plus-size, juniors and maternity sizes.

The economic boom of the 1990s helped mannequin companies in expanding their lines. Clear mannequins made of plexi-glass like material were introduced to the market.

Its popularity was accidentally helped by Alexander McQueen when he was still the Artistic Director of Givenchy. During the Fall 1998 haute couture season in Paris, McQueen used clear mannequins lit inside with fiber optics, on the runway.

As the mannequins "perry dog" on the runway with the help of specially designed elavators, the music and dramatic lighting emphasized both the beauty of couture and the innovative aspect of the clear mannequins.