Vogue’s Jessica Bumpus sits down with Mark Fast

The Industry London hosted a public interview between Vogue’s Jessica Bumpus and knitwear designer Mark Fast at Swarovski Crystallized last night. The Industry London connects all aspects of fashion and the very people who are shaping the future of fashion. Through a series of classes, events and networking sessions, The Industry hopes to unite its members and evolve a fashion community.

Mark Fast is a young, modern knitwear designer with a number of celebrity followings such as Rihanna and Rita Ora. Mark captured headlines and caused controversy in the fashion world during his S/S 10 catwalk when he used plus-sized models. 

The interview took place on the second floor of Great Marlborough Street’s Swarovski Crystallized, which regularly hosts events and is a large, beautiful venue. The room was filled with Industry members such as representatives from Pop PR, Idol Magazine, Company magazine and ourselves, networking and anticipating the talk.

Jessica Bumpus shortly conducted the interview – which lasted around half an hour and consisted of questions from Jessica herself, twitter feed – and then finally the floor. Mark told the audience that he found his niche in knitwear during his foundation course at Central Saint Martins. It was there that he found he worked well with texture and collage, and that knitwear was great for being in control of everything such as the thread and stitching.

When asked whether having a signature style is an advantage or a burden, Mark replied: “Having a signature is personal. If you have a signature then it is harder for other people to come along and make it theirs.” Fans of Mark will know that his signature is body conscious.

Mark offered even more insights into his world as Jessica picked his brain asking of his fashion highlights (Tilda Swinton wearing his designs on the cover of AnOther Magazine) and his hopes and dreams to move into film costume as he is inspired by Colleen Atwood’s dresses for Tim Burton.

The evening was shortly rounded off with more networking and nibbles as Mark relaxed after a very successful interview.

His new collection will be showcased this February at London Fashion Week where there will be two salon shows.

You will also find the entire interview with Vogue shortly on The Industry London’s website.

We are excited to see what this Toronto-born knitwear designer will bring to the catwalk this season and when his menswear line will be made!

Lauren Johnstone

 Visit The Industry London here and Mark’s website here.