1.Firstly what made Mark and of course yourself take the brave step to
use plus size models on the cat walk for this year’s London fashion
week?
There was this perception that Mark's dresses were only for a certain
body type and we wanted to challenge the idea. Mark loves the way his
garments look on curvier bodies and he wanted to showcase that. When
we met the girls who were in our show at the casting he really
responded to them, he was inspired by them.
2.I understand that at the last minute member of staff walked out due
to the brave decision? What were there reasons for this and did that
make you question your decision and how did that make you and Mark
feel?
There were some creative differences and ultimately we decided that we
wanted to work with someone who was more enthusiastic about Mark's
choices. We had worked with that stylist in the past so it was
disappointing to let her go but we did what we felt was right for the
brand.
3.Do you feel that other designers should follow your and Marks
example and use other plus size models on the cat walk?
I feel that each designer should evaluate what is important to them
and their brand and that they should make choices based on those
values. Mark chose models he felt projected a diverse and interesting
energy because he wanted a diverse audience to consider wearing his
designs.
4.What is your personal opinion of the size zero debate? Do you feel
that the fashion industry promotes an unhealthy perception of
beautiful?
I think that people should strive to be the best possible versions of
themselves. I feel that broad statements about the "beauty image the
fashion industry promotes"" are damaging in that they imply that the
only ideals presented in fashion are unnatural and unattainable and
that the general public is totally suggestible. Both ideas are simply
not true. The fashion industry has been incredibly supportive of
Mark's decisions and there are other designers that are using
non-traditional models in shows and print. Furthermore, the general
public consumes these "unhealthy images" at an insatiable rate which
would suggest that these images are what people WANT to see. If people
stopped choosing to buy magazines that featured size zero models and
wrote in to explain why then the advertising revenue that fuels these
magazines would dry up and the publishers and designers would respond
to that demand by using different sized girls. The industry is driven
by sales so at the end of the day it is the consumers that have all
the power.
5.Even with new rules about models BMI and the criticism that the
fashion industry has taken do you think they will ever change their
ways?
I have seen evidence of change on several occasions here in London.
I'm sure there will always be a standard size for catwalk models
because most designers only do one set of samples for the catwalk in
one size which streamlines the casting process during the lead up to
the show, which is always a hectic time. Because Mark works mainly
with elastomeric yarn which stretches our standard size fits many
shapes. So we don't need to use models of the same size, we're really
lucky that way.
6.In your professional opinion do you think that we will ever see a
plus size model on the front of vogue?
I think that that day will come, yes.
7.In all honestly which type of model do you think looked better in
Marks body con dress?
I think that the curvy girls looked very sexy in a way that was really
inspiring. I almost cried when Haley (the first model) hit the
catwalk, she was so beautiful.
8.Has Mark and yourself got any future plans to use plus size models
again to display his collections?
Yes, of course. Why wouldn't we?
AMAZING INTERVIEW
