Search Classifieds Forum Visuals Newsletter Gift Shop Send A Postcard Internet's database on fashion, visual merchandising and mannequins. The basic technique of lighting the mannequins within a window situation seems to be the overwhelming employment of overhead incandescent flood lights with the use of pin spots for highlighting on a track system. Yet, the technology does not come cheap. Good lighting can guide the customers' eyes, reveal the color and cut of the merchandise, show the styling and tailoring details, and emphasize the good qualities of the outfit, helping the merchandise to be pre-sold to the customer. Light can create impact, and hide mistakes at the same time, making the job of the visual merchandiser easier.
Lighting carries a two-fold purpose in a window presentation.
Not only must it dramatize but also it must comprise the main color relationships of merchandise and props within the window. The advantage of using gelled lights that are similar to the color of the merchandise, even though they may change it slightly, is that the color of the merchandise appears to be drawn out making the merchandise itself more vibrant. Use the same with the upper portions of the mannequin. To avoid making an outfit unbecoming, do not point spotlights on the mannequin's hips. Single out a feature in the outfit or the mannequin, to give it a natural look.