Mark Fast makes triumphant return to London Fashion Week

The British brand kicked off London Fashion Week AW19 
Karen Dacre15 February 2019

Mark Fast made a triumphant return to London Fashion Week today with a collection of extreme bodycon dresses and jumpsuits which sought to celebrate the female form.

A decade on from his controversial catwalk debut, during which the knitwear designer caught the attention of the nation by enlisting size 12 and 14 models to walk in his show, he reignited an important conversation about body image.

This morning, the cast of models was equally broad ranging.

Combining an innovative use of wool, with a determination to highlight the natural curves of the body, the designer unveiled shredded dresses, flowing fringe capes and cocktail gowns which caressed the upper body before exploding into a puff ball as they hit the waistline.

Mark Fast: London Fashion Week AW19

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The palette - violet, zesty orange and pistachio - served to further exemplify the idea that these were clothes designed to make the natural silhouette of a woman the centre of attention.

Topping the bill on an action packed schedule at which supermodels from across the world are expected to take to the catwalk, Fast’s addition stands as a reminder of the need for more diversity within the mainstream fashion world, both here in the capital and across the globe. Thanks to pressure generated by social media and stringent regulations enforced by the British Fashion Council regarding the health of fashion models, vast improvements have been made since Canadian-born Fast, who studied at Central Saint Martins, burst onto the scene a decade ago.

Today’s showcase - and the fact that the most in demand fashion models still wear dress sizes which are far below national average - proves that improvements are still needed.

Mark Fast AW19 collection
AFP/Getty Images

Fast agrees.“There’s a lot more to be done and to be achieved on the matter of body image,” he told the Standard ahead of his show. Adding: “I feel honoured that my designs are adored and worn by all women”.

As well as re-establishing his label as a London Fashion Week regular, Fast’s objective for today was to present a refined vision that demonstrates how far he has come since the publicity flurry of 2009. “I think this time I’ve formed a new perspective and maturity. I have learned and hopefully become stronger and wiser.

"I’m very grateful to open London Fashion Week and communicate my message to the world."

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