LIM College

They wear the clothes that we hope to buy. They display the products that we admire and desire to own. They fill a space, but more importantly they create an environment, our shopping environment, but are often overlooked. “They” are the mannequins, shelving structures, racks, and wall units that make displaying merchandise in the retail word possible. Without the aid of these visual displays, our shopping experience would feel like a foreign adventure.

I came to this realization after visiting two companies for my Field Trip class. In the past two weeks I was introduced to the paramount importance of businesses like ALU and Manex USA. Both are leaders in providing the mannequins or displays that are the foundation of the retail stores in which we shop. As we toured their offices I started to think—picture your favorite store without anything to display the merchandise! This was hard for me to fathom, because I truly take such elements of the shopping experience for granted. 

I loved visiting the ALU office! ALU is an international company headquartered in Italy, with more than 25 years of experience in catering to the retail world. They offer standard or custom products (racks, shelving units, wall displays, etc.) that have the potential to completely create or transform a retail space. ALU is driven by innovation. Their products are advanced in creativity, yet still maintain practicality. They are pushing the limits in the world of fashion, retail and space design. I was immediately inspired by this company’s vision to re-imagine and transform.

Manex USA is a mannequin and bust form manufacturer with a très chic office! Their top quality products are used in large and small companies in the United States and Europe. From young designer Willow Smith and Oscar de la Renta’s high end design team, to clients like Bloomingdales, Manex USA is relevant and active in providing for the fashion industry today. It was fascinating to see the mannequins with real hair and real eyelashes. These forms are actually cast and molded from a model’s body and then converted into a mannequin or bust.

As an LIM College student you will engage and experience. You will explore new ideas, and the companies that are bringing such ideas to life. Take advantage of these opportunities because they can open your eyes to things you overlook, and to knowledge that you haven’t yet discovered. After visiting ALU and Manex USA, I feel more aware and attuned to the elements of the multi-billion dollar retail industry that surrounds us.

Sometimes we forget the possibility to learn something new every day! I am so excited for you to experience the fashion industry, where over 4 million people are employed in various channels of work. From design, manufacturing and distribution to marketing, retailing, publishing and communications, in fashion, everything is somehow and some way connected.

As you learn, an industry that once seemed so huge, will suddenly feel so very small.

Until next week, embrace something new! Keep your eyes peeled and your mind open.  It will broaden your knowledge and your future horizons.

XOXO Court