Fashion mannequins are typically an extremely narrow representation that’s unattainable for most bodies–a “flawless” specimen of the human form. So when German agency Jung Von Matt/Limmat teamed up with Pro Infirmis, an organization for the disabled, and a handful of fashion stores and crafted a campaign that urges people to alter their perspective about the definition of perfection, we were brought to tears.
It’s rare enough to see plus-size and petite mannequins being represented in advertising and clothing manufacturing, let alone those resembling people with disabilities, such as scoliosis or missing limbs.
The campaign, entitled “Because who is perfect? Get closer,” was captured as a short film by director Alain Gsponer. It was designed for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with hopes to trigger reflection on acceptance for those we pass daily on the street without a second glance or with too long of a stare.
“It’s special to see yourself like this,” says one woman, when a mannequin resembling herself is unveiled.
The mannequins with disabilities were placed alongside the unrealistic ones in department store windows in downtown Zurich and the reactions of people walking by were filmed.
“The people passing by will be very irritated,” says one woman arranging the mannequins in a store window.
How would you react?
