Designer Mark Fast Continues His Tradition Of Sending Plus-Size Models Down The Runway

Just as he did last year, designer Mark Fast sent several plus-size models (including Crystal Renn) down his runway at London Fashion Week. As Renn told the Telegraph: “‘It’s nice to see his clothes on different sizes.”

Fast lost a stylist and casting director last year over his decision to cast size 14 models, though it doesn’t appear that a similar controversy will break out this year.

It should also be noted that not all of the models in Fast’s show were plus-sized models—according to the Daily Mail, Fast, who works primarily in knitwear, hires a variety of women ” to prove that the clinging designs look good on every bodyshape.”

According to Beth Schepens of the Wall Street Journal, “His decision showed off not only the beauty and detail of his intricate and delicate designs, but also how they look on real women’s curves – something you rarely see on the catwalk.”

Though I don’t think the phrase “real women’s curves” is entirely fair: “real women” come in all shapes and sizes, with curves and without, which, I believe, is the point Fast is trying to make.

That said, Hayley Morley, seen here, tells the Daily Mail: “‘I had hundreds of messages from young girls and young women of support, saying thank you for being a more real model. I think that finally there is someone young and they feel they can relate to more than a size 6 model. It makes me proud.” So

According to t5m: “On his choice to include plus size models in his shows, Mark says that he is just ‘doing what he likes’ and that people are all shapes and sizes – as well as explaining that he doesn’t really have an opinion on size zero models on the catwalk.” A video interview with Fast can also been seen here.

Perhaps Crystal Renn sums it up best: “Modeling should be about personality and variety. It is about a beautiful woman. Size should not come into the equation.”

Live From Fashion Week: Mark Fast Uses Plus Size Models In London Fashion Week A/W Collection [T5M]
Student Shows Big Is Beautiful At Groundbreaking Size 16 Fashion Show [Daily Mail]
Mark Fast Showcases The Real Woman [WSJ]
Designer Mark Fast Sends Plus Size Women Down The Catwalk [DailyMail]
Video: London Fashion Week: Mark Fast And Mary Katrantzou A/W 2010-11 [Telegraph]

Earlier: Stylist And Casting Director Quit After Designer Chooses To Use Size 14 Models On Runway