Mark Fast doesn't knit like your grandma -- although, don't get us wrong, we love your grandma. A London resident and Canada transplant, 30-year-old Fast's provocative, form-fitting knitwear have appeared on lovely ladies including Rihanna, Tilda Swinton, and even a pre-babay Beyoncé.   

Known for his signature, cobweb-inspired knitting style (all his garments are produced on hand-knitting machinery), Fast will be making his New York Fashion Week debut this season, with a presentation for his aptly named new luxury line, Faster. We briefly spoke to the very busy designer about his beginnings, the women who wear his clothes and, of course, his mother.    

You grew up in Canada, which seems quite far away from the world you work in now. What was your first brush with fashion?    

I try and keep very close to my hometown of Winnipeg, and am always in touch with my family and friends. It was an interesting adventure from my childhood to London. There was something quite dreamy and inspirational, wondering what was out there in the world. I watched Fashion Television with Jeanne Beker back in the day. It was the drama of the catwalk that put the fire in my soul. 

What's the first thing you ever made? 

I did a lot of cross-stitch with my mother.  She taught me this. 

What's been one of your biggest challenges as a designer? 

To constantly keep reinventing and expanding on knitwear is a challenge. I would also say a challenge is keeping my creative space safe and protecting my ideas from being affected by judgment and negative criticism.    

You've designed stage costumes for Nicki Minaj, Celine Dion, and Kylie Minogue. What do you feel when such powerful, well-known women are wearing your clothes?     

When I work with the artists I admire, I consider this a fulfillment. I am inspired when I see my garments used to evoke a visual statement and a moving image. 

Do you like seeing your clothes on stage? I definitely feel like strong, female performers like these are great models for your work.    

There is power in my garments which is expressed by the wearer. My work is often inspired by film, so it is a pleasure to see it being worn by various stars and performers whose aura illuminates the pieces.

Your stuff seems very theatrical by design, but how do you make sure it's still wearable?    

I think it's more dramatic than theatrical. There will always be a brave, courageous woman that can pull it off effortlessly.     

So what can we expect from this year's New York Fashion Week presentation?
 
Every season, we are building on our reputation as a fashion knitwear label and with Faster, we are pushing the boundaries with technology. This collection is following in the essence of Faster as a sexy, modern, easy-to-wear line of covetable pieces that remains true to the Mark Fast style.  I've worked with Aldo on a capsule collection of shoes, which will debut at NYFW, and are made with mesh detailing and neoprene.