[All images via Style.com]
In 2009, Mark Fast made news when his stylist walked out amidst his decision to use plus-size models. A season later, the Canadian knitwear designer is still sending models in sizes 12-14 down the runway, remarkably determined to challenge the norm that only rail-thin models can dazzle in his dresses. The daring move might have stolen the limelight, but sizes aren’t the only opposites in Mark Fast’s runway show in London; he’s also playing with silhouettes, alternating between loose drapery and body-hugging dresses and knitwear. In his experimentation with drapery, Fast wrapped his models with loose fabrics in seemingly spontaneous ways. More impressive was the cross between Fast’s two paths — for several looks, he ruffled and gathered up his tight dresses with dramatically draped fabric.
His other game – the fitting dresses and knitwear – played with cobwebby knits and conspicuous knots. There was also something athletic about the knitwear; the straps around the arms, the tight fit, the overtly modern designs. Apart from his nerve, this collection certain said something about the designer’s unique vision for knits and his plan to move forward.
– Justina Lee
