Debenhams unveiled size 16 mannequins in one of their windows on Oxford Street this morning dressed in the newly launched Principles by Ben De Lisi .  The aim of the trial is to gain feedback from customers to see if they like the idea and if it proves popular the initiative will be later rolled out across the country.
 

Like most retailers Debenhams currently uses standard size 10 mannequins in all its window displays.  However the majority of women in the UK are either a 14 or 16. Signage next to the mannequins will ask customers ‘I’m a size 16, do you want to see more of me?’
 
Debenhams stocks up to size 26 in its Womenswear department, and a huge 42% of sales comes from size 14 and 16 garments. 
  
Mark Fast caused waves when he sent size 12 and 14 models down his catwalk last London Fashion Week, and gorgeous size 16 model Crystal Ren has had a huge impact on the fashion industry recently.  

Incidentally yesterday Victoria Beckham was on The View, the US equivalent of Loose Women here in the UK defending skinny models.

Let us know what you think…?