London Fashion Week abuzz over larger models
Canadian designer Mark Fast puts knits on size 12-14 women
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 | 7:40 PM ET
CBC News
Canadian designer Mark Fast set London Fashion Week abuzz by putting his sculpted knitwear on size 12 and 14 models (CBC)The international world of fashion is abuzz over Canadian designer Mark Fast's concept of what size model is acceptable on the catwalk.
Fast dared to put his skimpy knits on larger women at this year's London Fashion Week currently taking place in the British capital.
While his decision to use three size 12 and 14 models to wear his sculpted knitwear designs drew considerable praise, it didn't sit well with everyone.
One report said it sparked a behind-the-scenes row that ended with Fast's stylist walking out on his show because of the new look. But the designer has no apologies for making room for regular women with serious curves.
"I think it's time really," Fast said in a telephone interview with CBC News. "There's such beauty out there and it's unfortunate that it's only representative in one size … so it's just a new celebration of all women."
Model Hayley Morley, who's a size 12, said widening the catwalk show means more work for her.
"The ripple effect that's coming out from this is fantastic," Morley said. "I don't know exactly how booked I am. I don't know yet. But it's great. It's great for curvy models in general, it's great for the fashion industry."
The move also caught the attention of some of the queens of glamour.
"If the girl's beautiful and she can model, why not?" said model Naomi Campbell.
"What a clever move I thought," said model Erin O'Connor. "He's demonstrating literally that what he does works on any woman with any frame."
While the move to make models look more like real women began in the 1990s, today's campaigners are beginning to sense change.
"Women take on much more than just information about clothes when they see imagery coming out of London Fashion Week. And I believe that we have begun a small shift," said Caryn Franklin, co-founder of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk.
