Henry Tuppen

LFW SS25: Mark Fast

Image: Sarah Schindler (@thecouleurofstyle)

In his SS25 collection, Mark Fast pulls us into a world where couture finesse collides with the pulse of underground music. Music truly was at the core of this show's appeal. The thundering bass echoing around the red brick walls of The Bike Shed brought an incredible sense of dynamism to what was an already eye-catching collection.

This season’s designs channel the energy and exhilaration that come with the discovery of electrifying new sounds—an ode to the visceral rush that music lovers know so well. Every stitch and silhouette reverberates with the heavy bass lines that inspire Fast.

The frenetic energy of the show was cemented by the powerful, fast paced walks of the models. Trying to capture videos of the show as they walked the runway echoed the feeling of attempting to catch a glimpse of a musician whilst in a jostling crowd. Although my deficiencies as a camera man may have also played a small role in this inability to capture quality video footage.

At the heart of this collection lies a daring reinterpretation of streetwear, with stone-washed denim reworked to perfection. Denim, a streetwear staple, is given new life through Fast’s eye for luxury. His treatment of this familiar fabric reflects a fresh edge that feels simultaneously tough and refined. The collection dances between elegance and attitude, most notably in his bandage dresses that come in a spectrum of soft neutrals and electric neons—whispers of sophistication punctuated by bold declarations of colour. The Stone Rose Crochet Dress emerges as a standout piece, with its daring fringing at the hips evoking a sense of musical movement. It’s a testament to Fast’s ability to merge intricate, delicate detailing with a fearless modernity.

Knitwear, long a signature of Mark Fast, takes centre stage with renewed vigour this season. Known for his mastery over body-hugging designs, Fast's creations showcase an unparalleled blend of technique and creativity. His knit pieces are sculptural yet fluid, from the open-knit weaves that reveal delicate glimpses of skin to tightly contoured dresses that wrap around the body like second skin. There’s an unmistakable artistry at play here—traditional hand-knitting techniques are interwoven with cutting-edge technology to produce textures that challenge conventions and captivate the eye. The result? A collection that pushes the boundaries of what knitwear can be—both functional and fantastical.

Fast's ability to fuse the worlds of couture and sportswear further elevates this collection. Elastic mesh panels and wind-resistant layers—typically the realm of performance wear—are expertly integrated into demi-couture pieces, resulting in garments that feel as much a part of the runway as they do the world of sport. This bold fusion elevates every piece, transforming functional materials into luxurious statements of style. The tension between the utility of sportswear and the precision of high fashion gives the collection its edge—each garment a delicate balance of practicality and avant-garde elegance.

The colour palette speaks volumes to Fast’s eye for fun. Deep blacks and stone greys provide a stark canvas, while bursts of lilac and neon light up the collection like flashes of bright, pulsating sound. Each hue reflects the duality in Fast’s designs—a marriage of hard and soft, bold and restrained, embodying a spirit of non-conformity that is at once fierce and graceful.

Mark Fast is not merely crafting garments; he’s building a lifestyle. Each piece is a declaration of individuality, a celebration of the thrill of self-expression. His designs don’t just clothe the body—they echo the beat of the underground, the thrill of breaking the rules, and the freedom of living outside the lines. Fast’s SS25 collection is a vivid reminder that fashion, like music, can be an anthem for those who dare to stand apart.