Mark Fast’s fall show features plus-sized models, gets thumbs-up from British PM’s wife

Mark Fast’s fall show features plus-sized models, gets thumbs-up from British PM’s wife

Crystal Renn in the Mark Fast show (Photo via Style.com)

Winnipeg-bred and Toronto-schooled designer Mark Fast got top marks for his fall collection during London fashion week over the weekend—especially when he opted to dress plus-sized models in his clingy knitwear for the second time. Fast’s stylist famously quit last season, when Fast insisted on casting larger girls in his show.

Critics praised Fast for hiring models like size 16 Crystal Renn, who recently became a household name after appearing in a spread in December’s V magazine. There was also buzz in the front row as Sarah Brown, the wife of the British prime minister, made sure that she didn’t miss one of her favourite up-and-coming designers. As AFP reports, Fast’s was one of the only shows during fashion week with a diverse model lineup.

As for the actual collection, Fast has branched out from his signature blended yarn dresses with the addition of flowing dresses, suede skirts and jackets—a wise move to show that he can do more than body-conscious knit mini-dresses.

Fast got a rave from the Telegraph’s legendary fashion critic, Hilary Alexander. “I really enjoyed the show because I think Mark has really developed and evolved as a designer,” she told T5M. “He’s doing things that ordinary people could wear, as the size 16 models demonstrated.”

We’re not going to take credit for the Toronto expats—like model Coco Rocha and Fast—who are trying to change the industry for the better, but it is nice to note that two of the most vocal people on the size issue are proud Canucks.

Mark Fast Fall 2010 [Style.com]
Weekend roundup from London fashion week [The Guardian]
Mark Fast and Mary Katrantzou a/w 2010/11 collection [The Telegraph]
• Hilary Alexander on Mark Fast at London Fashion Week [T5M]
Plus-size models take to London catwalk [AFP]
Canadian designer Mark Fast returns home after turning heads in London [Toronto Life]
Coco Rocha compares treatment of models to child labour [Toronto Life]