Mark Fast

Designer name: Mark Fast

Origin: “Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. It is quite a big city with a small town atmosphere.”

Career highlight: “It would have to be receiving New Gen sponsorship. It’s something I have really wanted for a long time.”

Design background: “I studied at Central Saint Martins for both my BA and MA and only graduated in February. My goodness, a lot has happened since then! I also worked on knitwear with Bora Aksu for a few seasons. I found him truly inspiring. He is very free spirited; I love the way he works.”

What are your design signatures? “I would say it is how I use my yarn. Most of my pieces are contoured to the body with the use of elastomeric yarns and everything is fully fashioned. I try and create a mixture of beauty and severity.”

How would you describe the Mark Fast woman? “She is a woman who knows exactly what she wants. She takes risks.”

Name three things that are inspiring you for autumn/winter 2010: “I am mesmerized by the bronze sculptures of Dimitri Chiparus. The movement that he creates in those pieces is incredible. The colours of coral and sea creatures. I am also interested in warmth for the winter.”

What encapsulates London fashion for you? “Professor Louise Wilson's office.”

What do you hope the new decade will mean for your brand? “I hope that there will be investment in craftsmanship to carry on the art of knitting.”

How does London influence your designs? “When I look at the city, I feel that there are no limits to the context my work is in. I can create anything.”


Portrait photographer: Patrick Bentley