Restaurants in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius are reopening in style with mannequins filling seats left empty because of social distancing guidelines. Indeed, the country has eased the restrictions on bars, cafes and restaurants to allow them to operate indoor seating areas, although strict social distancing measures remain in place. Tables that otherwise must be kept empty will therefore be used for mannequins to demonstrate this season's fashions and promote local fashion designers. "Empty tables inside our restaurant look rather odd, and we don't have any way to remove them," explains Bernie Ter Braak, the owner of Cozy restaurant, who came up with the idea with a local well-known fashion designer, Julija Janus. "We decided to reach out to our neighbours, fashion boutique stores, and invited them to use our empty tables to showcase their newest collections. The news spread and well-known designers joined this project, which keeps gaining interest across the city," said Ter Braak. "Designers do not have many opportunities to showcase their latest collections, and in general, the consumption is down. We hope that this campaign will move the waters and local designers will gain some visibility," said fashion designer Janus. A few dozen restaurants and cafés located in the Old Town Glass Quarter of Vilnius are participating in the initiative. Over 60 originally dressed mannequins have been placed at the unused indoor tables, filling the space between dining guests, showcasing unique fashion pieces from 19 boutiques, featuring local fashion designers and brands.