Ralph Pucci mannequin exhibit at Museum of Arts and Design

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Ralph Pucci is considered the master maker and designer of mannequins. This all began in 1954.

"His parents both made and repaired mannequins literally off the back of a truck, and it's a great story of a family coming to New York, and making it good," says Glenn Adamson of the Museum of Arts and Design.

The new retrospective at the Museum of Arts and Design spans three decades, and reflects Pucci's sense of creativity and showcases pieces he collaborated on with people like Anna Sui or Kenny Scharf.

"You'll see the mannequins that related very strongly to what's going on in fashion, whether it's the body culture of the 80s or classical silhouette of the 90s," adds Adamson.

Pucci toys with the concept of pose and touches on diversity - like the one he co-designed with model Christy Turlington.

"He is interested in full-figured mannequins, so he was very ahead of his time in that way," say Adamson.

Shown in time-lapse films, lead sculpture Michael Evert brings fiberglass figures to life inside the Pucci studio, which is also replicated at the exhibit. It is a rare look at a fascination craft. The show runs through August 30th.