"I am really happy with the Spring/Summer 2010 show. I have been getting emails from all over the world about my choice of models," said an enthused Mark Fast. I spoke with the young British designer soon after his London show, which attracted significant applause and significant controversy. Just days before the presentation, two members of Fast's design team quit over his decision to cast size 12 and 14 models. (LEFT: MARK FAST SPRING/SUMMER 2010, LOOK 16)

"I just thought the plus models looked great in the clothes and wanted to showcase that," he explained. "It's humbling to realize what an impact that choice made," he added. Aided by the last-minute assistance of freelance stylists Daniela Agnelli and Natalie Hubbarb, Fast's spring/summer effort was stronger than ever. With continued sponsorship from New Gen, the knitwear designer is free to pursue his craft: "The New Gen scheme has alleviated financial worries at a time where many young designers are finding it hard to survive, opened many doors from buyer contacts, and, most importantly, allowed me to get on with my own creativity," he said.

According to Fast, the collection was influenced by films–both silent productions from the 20s and, quite disparately, Erin Brockovich. Mimicking the effect of strolling through a set-filled studio, the collection was broken up into distinct sections featuring crystal cages, feathered fringes and Egpytian colors.