Store mannequins are meant to be reflections of ourselves. They\u2019re not. Working on the assumption that perfect bodies sell tons of clothes, retailers want mannequins that are tall, thin and beautifully proportioned when in fact most of us are ordinary schlumps.<\/p>\n

Two recent events have not only challenged that assumption but used mannequins as agents of social change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Pro Infirmis<\/strong>\u00a0is a Swiss charity which represents the disabled. In addition to counselling and practical assistance it runs an annual series of high-profile public awareness campaigns. Last year it partnered with ad agency\u00a0Jung von Matt<\/strong>\u00a0to create a series of not-so-perfect mannequins with scoliosis, brittle bones and shortened limbs. Designed to mark the\u00a0International Day of Persons\u00a0\u00a0with Disabilities<\/strong>\u00a0(December 3, 2013), the goal was to make the disabled feel better about themselves\u00a0and to remind the rest of us that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. The campaign was called \u201cBecause no-one\u2019s perfect. Come closer.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Five volunteers agreed to be poked, prodded and measured so their proportions could be replicated in plastic. A compelling video was produced to commemorate the process. Watch it here.<\/p>\n