admin @ Wed, 2005-10-19 11:00
BIG FLATS - A new window display at the Victoria's Secret store in Arnot Mall is causing a stir among some mall patrons who think the lingerie store has gone too far.
The display, set up Monday, showcases four mannequins standing in seductive poses around a black satin vanity. The mannequins are dressed in black lingerie - except for one who wears a hot pink lace-up bodice. Below the waist, the mannequins' legs are clad in sheer, thigh-high stockings, garter belts and fur-trimmed heels.
At the mall Tuesday afternoon, some shoppers - many of them women with children in tow - walked past the store's window, took a quick glimpse and turned their heads away. One woman walked into the store and ranted to the staff about the display, which prompted mall security to stake out the store for a few minutes.
Earlier this month, Victoria's Secret stores in McLean, Va., and Wauwatosa, Wis., riled up passers-by with similar displays, which featured some mannequins on their stomachs with their bottoms in the air. After complaints, those stores toned down the window dressing.
Barbara Van Burger of Horseheads called the Victoria's Secret corporate office Tuesday to file a complaint after she saw the display during her morning walk at Arnot Mall.
Van Burger said her biggest concern is the display is where children as well as adults can see it. Victoria's Secret is located between American Eagle Outfitters, a clothing store for young people, and Kay Jewelers.
With the outfits leaving little to the imagination, Van Burger said she feels the display sends the message to children and young people that they should dress this way.
"You know, they (the store) can show bras and panties but not in this manner," Van Burger said. "My issue is with impressionable children ... (Parents) thinking they're going to go shopping and then they have to explain this display."
Arnot Mall would not let the Star-Gazette take a photograph of the window display, saying Victoria's Secret corporate policy is not to allow photos of the store. Calls to Victoria's Secret on Tuesday by the Star-Gazette were not returned.
Steve Borders, a master jeweler working at Kay Jewelers, stepped outside his store Tuesday to check out the mannequins. Borders, who has two preteen children, agreed the sexy set-up wasn't appropriate for a mall setting, but he also said young people are bombarded with sex themes daily.
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