Judy! Judy! Judy!

Did you know that female mannequins or dress forms were originally named "Judy"?   It seems that the name originated in the 1950's after tv personality Judy Lee.  They felt she was the "perfect" dress size 33-22-34...OMG!  Can you imagine those measurements?  A 22 inch waist!!?? 

They originated for the use of dressmakers who did custom tailoring and for bridal purposes.  They would have been expandable to adjust to each woman's dimensions perfectly.  Most were very heavy-duty with metal poles, mechanisms & decorative hardware.  Some were even made of wax.  And the body form was covered in natural materials or a muslin-type fabric. Originally, they were simply the torso.

If you've ever gone to an antique or vintage shop & found any old mannequins, some would look like they've come out of a horror movie with scary faces & wicked eyes. I remember entering a creepy, dimly lit back room at a large flea market seeing their body forms casting shadows on the walls.  "You found a real gem there" came a voice from behind me.  I thought the Judy had come to life...yikes!!!

Today's dress forms come in all sizes, shapes, for men & kids too.  Some have full anatomy of the body to accentuate certain industries like bras & underwear.  They are still used by custom sewers, fashion designers & you've seen them on such shows as "Project Runway". Take a look at every department store or boutique...they will feature dozens of mannequins in every size, shape, design, color...all showing off the latest looks throughout their windows & displays.  There was a time when LIVE models were used but that got costly & exhausting!  They have now been mass produced & cost much less using simpler accents, lighter materials & synthetic coverings.

But JUDY still does the trick!! Thankfully without the same measurements (or freaky faces)!!!  And for you guys...his name is James!