Chicago photographer Ralph Horner has created a series of instructional videos featuring actual living mannequin (also known as 'freeze') models to illustrate the extraordinary skills and techniques used to mimic a fiberglass display figure and pose undetectably among genuine mannequins in windows and floor displays. Standing motionless for a goodly portion of an hour, then shifting smoothly into another position, the mannequin model offers an intriguing way to display fashions and at the same time, catch a jaded shopper's eye. Often, passersby cannot distinguish the difference between the flesh and the fiberglass - even close up. This allows the models to almost 'become invisible', then play tricks on the unsuspecting patrons who wonder at the sales magic being performed.

Once common in the 1970's and 80's, the employment of mannequin models as marketing attractions in shops and malls has fallen out of favor in recent years as lifelike display mannequins themselves are replaced by more abstract forms. One of the goals of this video series is to introduce the unique talents and mind-set of freeze modeling to the next generation of models in a way that few would nowadays have the chance to see:
By actually observing the flawlessly posed mannequin models in their 'natural habitat' - on display!

There are four tapes in the current series, each of a different model; the format of the tapes is similar. First, we see the models posed motionlessly, videotaped from a short distance away as they blend in with their surroundings and the shoppers walking by or examining the items they are modeling. Both long, full-length, scenes as well as close-ups of the models are lensed as the minutes pass in real-time. There is no photographic trickery here; they actually *are* standing that still. It is easy to see how much time elapses before they 'break pose' to assume a different stance or expression. Occasionally an assistant will arrive to adjust the mannequin's pose or change their accessories. Hats are a popular item, as are scarves.

There is often a short 'skit' section, where the frozen models break pose and interact with an "unsuspecting" shopper (this is often Mr. Horner or others associated with the video) to move items of clothing or soft drinks, then freeze back in place before the "victim" can react. In two videos, the mannequin model plays a game of 'peek-a-boo' with the shill.

After the posing session, there is a short but in-depth interview with the model where they talk about their history doing this type of modeling, how long they can typically remain frozen, and any suggestions they may have for prospective models starting out. All agree that mannequin modeling takes a calm, patient demeanor and a combination of mental and physical control. The successful freeze model must strive to dissociate themselves from the clientele, assume an artificial-looking display position and above all, avoid making eye contact. Some of the models report being able to enter an almost trance-like state of detachment, remaining motionless for up to forty minutes.

After the interview, segment, we see the mannequin model back in pose as a recap of the points they have discussed. There is a short verbal summary of the tape, followed by ending credits.

So much for the common features of the video series, we'll now focus in on the individual segments and their respective mannequin models.

Tape One - 'The Mysterious Art of Mannequin Modeling', featuring Amy Olmstead; VHS, running time ~30 minutes Copyright 1998
Unlike the others in the series, this video is shot in a studio; other than the pranks section there is no interaction with shoppers. Amy is a honey-haired beauty; she has a very slim physique that helps her carry out the illusion of her being a mannequin. She is able to pose for long periods of time - up to 40 minutes she claims - and remains almost perfectly still even under extreme close up. Unlike some models, she is also able to fluidly assume very challenging poses - such as with her arm raised or with her eyes looking to the side - and become motionless almost instantaneously. When moving, she possesses a ravishing smile; her interview segment is very open and casual as she relates her recent two years as a mannequin model. Amy encourages young models to pursue this line of work.

(NOTE: There is a short untitled segment running ~1 minute with brief footage of several freeze models, including Amy Olmstead, Jennifer & Stacey Boldrick)

Tape Two - 'Art of the Living Mannequin', featuring Jennifer Boldrick; VHS, running time ~50 minutes.
Jennifer had been mannequin modeling for about a year and a half when the video was shot. She often poses on a glass base with a support rod, which highlights the impression of artificiality, along with her rock-solid poses. Jennifer has mastered the glassy, lifeless stare of a mannequin and mentions that she often "spaces out" during a posing session and isn't really aware of what is going on around her. In the first scene on this video, she demonstrates an unusual manner of shifting poses by acting as a mechanical 'robot', before being placed on a hand-truck by a store employee and wheeled away. Appearing in a several wigs, along with different costumes, Jennifer's heavily made up face and creative poses are able to convincingly bamboozle most shoppers into believing she is a real mannequin. She enjoys wearing different clothes and feels freeze modeling is a lot of fun. Her interview is performed by Stacey, who also poses for a short time as a living mannequin at the end of the video. Jennifer mentions that she has seen resurgence in freeze modeling that pulls in additional shoppers and is good for business.

Tape Three - 'The Art of Mannequin Freeze Modeling', featuring Karen Weppner; VHS, running time ~40 minutes. Copyright 2000
Tall, blonde, leggy, and gorgeous, Karen is the model that most physically resembles an actual mannequin as she poses near an aisle of a busy store. People often walk past her without ever suspecting she is alive. Holding poses for an average of five minutes at a time, Karen has perfected a series of flawless stances in her almost ten years of being a freeze model. Breaking pose to play a prank on a shopper, she can flash a dazzling smile, then slip back into immobility in the blink of an eye. She plays a brief practical joke on Mr. Horner, who acts as the mystified shopper whose selections keep shifting around when he's not looking. During the interview, Karen emphasizes the importance of keeping a good body position and breathing with one's diaphragm and through your nose to avoid being seen. She enjoys interacting with the clients of the store, in particular the children, who can almost always tell she is alive even if their parents cannot. Working with models that are starting out, she helps them with their clothing, makeup, and gives tips on posing as a mannequin. Karen recommends first posing in front of a mirror to establish the proper body and arm positions. The tape concludes with another segment of Karen becoming an utterly convincing display figure.

Tape Four - 'The Art of Mannequin/Robotic Modeling', featuring Kim Padgette; VHS, running time ~45 minutes.
In her twelve (!) years of experience, Kim has impersonated mannequins, animated toys at Christmastime, and robots, but she prefers being in situations where she can interact with others. Posed in this video both among a group of real mannequins and alone, she does a convincing job of appearing artificial and does not blink or flinch when others change her pose or accessories. When changing poses, Kim often moves robotically to appear less real. Seen from outside through a window as part of a trio of mannequins, she blends right in, but there is also a very strong reflection in this sequence that makes it difficult to see her clearly. A man from the store interacts with her in the prank section, and also performs the interview. Kim is mostly self-taught, though a friend helped her start out with the basics. She places black rubber bands around her wrists and poses on a glass base for a more convincing imitation.

This is an excellent series for anyone contemplating doing freeze modeling, or for those who appreciate the unique set of skills possessed by these motionless mannequin mimics.