UTS - Product Design Major Studio 84812
HIGH DISTINCTION
CONCEPT
ENRICA is a modular mannequin designed to allow varied size configurations to represent women's body measurements better.
FUNCTION
"Fashion does not just sell garments; it sells self-esteem and personal identity; fashion cannot fulfil its true duty as an art form if it is not diverse nor inclusive". - Caroline Louise Hamar
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. However, girls and women are still repeatedly exposed to the thin ideal negatively, which influences body image and is a crucial factor in low self-esteem and disordered eating. Standard store mannequins are known to have unrealistic appearances that do not represent most women. Plus-sized mannequins were then introduced to fill a market gap and include a larger group of women in the scene. The problem is that those mannequins solely focus on bigger clothing sizes, not on including people who wear different sizes of top and bottom, which is also a reality.
MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Standard store mannequins are usually a one-piece blend of fibreglass and plastic, thus are non-recyclable and, many times, non-repairable. The ENRICA mannequin should then be made of ABS via rotational moulding after a 3D printed version of the mould is produced. Additionally, modularity allows the replacement of parts – when a repair is not possible – and represents another sustainability aspect of the project. The mannequin parts are available in three different sizes, XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL and 2X/3X, generating sixteen unique combinations, and feature adaptable neoprene sleeves to create a smooth transition between the different-sized parts. Other key features include realistic measurements that do not encourage body dysmorphia or eating disorders, specific shapewear for each mannequin arrangement and mass-production in recyclable materials.
