London-based designer and knitwear master Mark Fast reveals the secrets of his childhood menagerie, why he wants to show in Canada and his thoughts on the plus-size model trend.
True to his name, Canadian designer Mark Fast has been speeding up the fashion ranks, making headlines with his super sexy knitwear collections, controversial runway shows, recent Topshop collab and prestigious ANDAM Fashion award nomination—not to mention his much-talked-about decision to pass on dressing Lady Gaga.
Though he now lives and works in London, Fast grew up in Winnipeg and like the rest of us, spent many hours watching Fashion Television and Fashion File. “I was very young, maybe 12 or so, but there was something about the catwalk that I was very attracted to,” he says. “There’s something almost movie-like or dream-like about the shows and I knew I wanted to be a part of that world.” His love of fashion took him from Winnipeg to Toronto and eventually to Central St. Martins’ elite fashion design program in London, which has produced such design legends as John Galliano, Phoebe Philo, Zac Posen and the late Alexander McQueen. “While I was in the foundation course my tutor noticed that a lot of my work was very textural and suggested I apply to the knitwear course,” says Fast. “It was all new to me but I happened to find a knitting machine at a charity shop right next to my house so I started with that and I still use it now.”
These days Fast is busier than ever, working on a new diffusion line appropriately named Faster as well as his Topshop collection, all on top of his own line. Amid the chaos, he graciously took time out to tackle our infamous Designer DNA questionnaire and in the end dubbed it: “the funnest interview I’ve ever had!” Read on to get to know to softer side of the man behind the sexy knits.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A peaceful, restful life.
What do you consider your worst trait?
I don’t use my bike enough. It’s very tempting to take the bus or a cab…but bike is where it’s at right now.
If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?
I’d love to breed animals, like exotic birds or ostriches. I used to raise chickens, hens, guinea pigs and ducks all in the same greenhouse in my backyard—it was my menagerie! I loved seeing the process of the egg to the young chick to the older bird—it was just so rewarding. I really wish I were working with animals still. Maybe that’s why I make dresses for my birds….
What is Fast's greatest extravagance? Find out on the next page...
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