To Catch a Predator: Mannequin Edition

The year 1987 marked both the release of the movie “Mannequin” and the final season of the children’s program “Today’s Special,” which featured a mannequin that came to life every night and entertained kids. Obviously, both media ventures were marketed to very different demographics, but what if they had decided to cross-promote?

I think I found the answer to that question while shopping yesterday at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park. I had already passed this lingerie store’s window display once, but a closer look left me scratching my head.

Now, I have an enormous amount of respect for the creativity that goes into coming up with something that will entice people to enter a store. But I still can’t figure out why they positioned lingerie-clad female mannequins—including one arching her back while modeling a black teddy—around some kids that look like they’re ready for a day at the beach.

In the store’s defense, I’m sure their intent was to let people know that they sell children’s clothing. But perhaps that purpose would be better served were they to make a separate window display on the other side of the store (shown above this paragraph). It would still be a bit off-putting under the word “Lingerie,” but at least the kids wouldn’t be in the thick of it.

Or perhaps the display was meant as more of a cause and effect statement. (Buy one of these = in nine months you may get one of these.)

You be the judge.