99% Invisible Mannequin Pixie Dream Girl
Nov 27, 2019
Discover the fascinating journey of Lester Gaba and his creation, Cynthia, a mannequin who became a fashion sensation in the 1930s. This lively narrative explores how Cynthia’s charm disrupted the retail landscape and sparked a cultural obsession. Delve into the decline of handcrafted mannequins and the rise of dollar stores, highlighting the shift in consumerism. The podcast also traces the origins of dollar store goods back to China’s Futian Market, revealing the intricate web of globalization and its impact on local economies.
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The Tea Party
- Jean Atkins' mother-in-law met Lester Gaba and Cynthia at a tea party in Hannibal, Missouri.
- She was shocked to discover Cynthia was a mannequin after offering her cookies.
Window Displays
- Department store windows were crucial advertising spaces before online and television ads.
- Mannequins transitioned from fitting clothes to attracting shoppers.
Gaba's Inspiration
- Lester Gaba, from Hannibal, Missouri, dreamed of becoming a window display designer.
- He found existing mannequins uninspiring upon arriving in New York.
