Local designer Rimante Rimgailaite sits beside a mannequin dressed in one of her creations in a restaurant in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: Xinhua
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https://scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3086112/coronavirus-mannequins-dressed-local-fashion-used-coax Fashion & Beauty
Coronavirus: mannequins dressed in local fashion used to coax customers back to restaurants while promoting social distancing
- Over 60 male and female mannequins have been dressed in fashions from 19 local boutique collections in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius
- The mannequins will have round-the-clock reserved indoor seating at 14 of the capital’s restaurants and cafes
(200521) -- VILNIUS, May 21, 2020 (Xinhua) -- A mannequin dressed a creation of a local designer is seen in a restaurant in the Old Town of Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 21, 2020. Cafes and restaurants became a platform on Thursday to showcase collections by local designers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown as the country has allowed bars, cafes and restaurants to operate under strict safety rules. (Photo by Alfredas Pliadis/Xinhua)
Some wear bags over their heads and others stylish black fedoras, but all are dressed to the nines as they silently wait in restaurants and cafes.
Seated at tables spaced 4m (13 feet) apart, dozens of elegant mannequins are intended to help clients dine at a safe social distance and, perhaps, to up their style.
Owners of restaurants and fashion boutiques in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, hit upon the idea after authorities further eased lockdown measures and allowed eateries and bars to operate indoors.
But customers have since been slow to return indoors after dining alfresco resumed earlier this month.
Mannequins are placed to provide social distancing at a restaurant in Vilnius. Photo: AFP
“Under regulations, we can serve every second table but that created a feeling of emptiness in the restaurant,” says Bernie Ter Braak, owner of restaurant called Cozy.
“At first, I thought to put dolls or teddy bears, but then I thought of well-dressed mannequins. I reached out to nearby fashion boutiques to showcase their collections, and they happily joined the initiative.”
Designer Diana Paukstyte says it was a winning combination.
“I’m glad that more people will see my avant-garde clothes. Hopefully the mannequins will also attract more customers to restaurants – we support them, they support us,” she says.
Customers mingle with mannequins in a restaurant in Vilnius. Photo: Xinhua
Under lockdown regulations, restaurants can serve every second table but that created a feeling of emptiness, which is why mannequins are now being used to fill up space. Photo: Xinhua
Over 60 male and female mannequins from 19 local boutiques will be seated at 14 of the Lithuanian capital’s restaurants and cafes. Photo: AP
Over 60 male and female mannequins dressed up in fashions from 19 local boutiques will have round-the-clock reserved indoor seating at 14 of the capital’s restaurants and cafes, according to Vilnius city hall.
At each table, clients can also find business cards letting them know where to buy any new threads that might catch their eye.
Mayor Remigijus Simasius called the initiative “a perfect match of communal spirit and creativity working side by side which also brings us some tangible material benefits”.
The Lithuanian government extended the nationwide coronavirus quarantine until May 31. Photo: Xinhua
A designer from Another Unicorn boutique stands beside a mannequin used to provide social distancing at a Vilnius restaurant. Photo: AFP