Posted on 6 Nov 2013

Debenhams Launch Size 16 Mannequins To Show "What Real Women Actually Look Like"

The department store has unveiled its new, larger mannequins that they say better represent what their female customers actually look like. Many think it's brilliant, but others are unconvinced.

by Cate Sevilla

BuzzFeed Staff, UK

Debenhams
@Debenhams
Check out our size 16 mannequins that have just arrived in our #DebsOxfordStreet store!
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The mannequins in Debenhams are currently a U.K. size 10 (a U.S. size 8), but soon, they'll have some curvaceous size 16 friends to hang out with.

The department are unveiling their larger size 16 mannequins in their newly refurbished Oxford Street store in London today, which they say will better reflect the size of many of its customers. The Director of Debenhams, Ed Watson, has said the company feels that it's important to "better represent what real women actually look like when advertising our clothes."

Personal stylist Lorraine McCulloch told BBC Breakfast that it will be "brilliant" for women to see what the clothing looks like on a bigger mannequin. She also suggested that it might help women be "braver" about their clothing choices.

"Women are fed a diet of images which suggest that there is only one way to look great – and that is to be very slim, white and young. That is the look which is pushed onto all women, regardless of their body shape or age. It is reinforced from the catwalks right through to shop mannequins – which is why I support Debenhams's decision."

Vicky Beeching
@vickybeeching
Fantastic to see Debenhams become the 1st UK mainstream high street store to use size 16 mannequins: http://t.co/EMfAS1pDPX
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Felicity Morse
@FelicityMorse
Very happy Debenhams are launching size 16 mannequins today!
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Sarah Berryman
@sarah_berryman1
Well done @Debenhams !! I applaud you! http://t.co/d9s75zJs2S
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Charly Lewis
@CharlyALewis
RT @AESTHETiKA: #Debenhams leading on female #bodyimage @Telegraph please drop #RealWomen tag Thin women ARE real women too
http://t.co/pHâ€¦
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Faiza S Khan
@BhopalHouse
Also 1st chain to stop using airbrushed lingerie model pics RT @JonathanHaynes Debenhams launches size 16 mannequins http://t.co/PD5RBD1eyH
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"But hang on – what gesture are we making here? Some women are naturally size 16 and we shouldn't criticise them for it. The truth is, though, that the alarming size 16 average has happened because women (like men) are eating and drinking too much."