Shop mannequins are derived from dress forms used by fashion houses for dress making. The use of mannequins originated in the 15th century, when miniature "milliners ' mannequins '' were used to demonstrate fashions for customers. Full - scale, wickerwork mannequins came into use in the mid-18th century. Wirework mannequins were manufactured in Paris from 1835.
when were life-sized mannequins first used in retail
in the mid-18th century