Bonaveri Magazine

In order to appreciate the present, we must look
to the past. In this case it is the late 1950s when
Adel Rootstein has just embarked on a lifetime’s
journey creating the now iconic, Rootstein
mannequin brand. Her subsequent work would
establish her as an industry trailblazer, a highly
respected figure whose innate ability to identify
and capture cultural moments set her apart
from her contemporaries.
Adel Rootstein was
always one step
ahead; she foresaw
fashion, identifying the
personalities that were
emerging as foundation
examples of a changing
industry.
Adel Rootstein was always one step ahead; she
foresaw fashion, identifying the personalities
that were emerging as foundation examples
of a changing industry. Her very first creations
epitomize the dynamism and energy of 1960s
London influencing an entire generation of
global fashionistas. She was a modernist in
her time and a was able to bridge the divide
between fashion photography and what was
presented on the high street.
England and London are at the center of
Rootstein’s world where a radical shift in cultural
expression is laying the foundation of a new
aesthetic in fashion. Alongside the remarkable
change in garment shapes are the emerging
personalities of stage, screen and magazine.
These are people that break the mold and offer
contemporary, free spirited alternatives to a
post-war generation.
It is in this environment that Rootstein develops
her craft, drawing from the dynamism of a new
fashion creative and the energy of its proponents;
Biba and Mary Quant. These are designers that are
searching for alternative forms of presentation and
Rootstein is there offering them exactly that. For the
first time, designers are able to display their garments
on mannequins that wholly represent their intent; with
shapes, figures and atmospheres that truly represent
their generation. From magazine shoots to the vibrant
atmosphere of Carnaby Street and the King’s Road,
Rootstein’s mannequins represented this cool new
youth culture.
Rootstein’s mannequins were unique in that they
were realistic representations of emerging cultural
personalities. The shape, pose, face, makeup and hair
are all highly considered features that make it easy for
viewers to make a connection with the model behind
the mannequin.
One such personality, and the subject of Rootstein’s
very first mannequin collection, is Twiggy, a diminutive
17 year old whose mannequin encapsulates the spirit
of the teenager. With a height of just over 1.60 m, size
40 and an unusual pose she is a perfect reproduction
of the iconic model. With her slender physique, her big
fawn eyes and her “boyish” haircut, Twiggy became an
emblem of change and a symbol of rebellious youth
culture.
In that first collection, modelled on Twiggy, we see how
the values of an entire era, an aesthetic and vibrant
culture would go on to influence the wider world.
John Taylor, the sculptor of the Twiggy collection was
able to give life to this first mannequin with realistic
magnetism: his artistic sensitivity contributed to the
definition of one of Rootstein’s most emblematic
collections.
Fast forward 6 decades and Rootstein’s past and
future are folding into the present like a time machine
of creativity. Exploring the Rootstein historical archive
- an extraordinary heritage of models, samples,
molds, drawings, photographs, artist proofs, original
documents of the time – we are taken on a journey
back in time, not only of the life of a brand, but also
that of the entire mannequin sector and its ongoing
relationship with aesthetic standards and fashion.
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