A model for Joanna Sykes's Spring/Summer 2010 at London Fashion Week

A model for Joanna Sykes's Spring/Summer 2010 at London Fashion Week

A model for Joanna Sykes's Spring/Summer 2010 at London Fashion Week

Joanna Sykes followed on the heels of Mark Fast by courageously expanding beauty boundaries at London Fashion Week by presenting her collection on models of diverse ages. London Fashion Fashion has demonstrated that it is not only mass brands (i.e. Dove) that can successfully incorporate age and body diversity into their promotion; high fashion brands can also present their collections on diverse models while keeping with their aspirational image.

Size 14 model for Mark Fast at London Fashion Week

Size 2 model for Mark Fast at London Fashion Week

Size 12 model for Mark Fast at London Fashion Week

Size 14 model for Mark Fast at London Fashion Week

London-based Canadian knitwear designer Mark Fast has broken with fashion tradition by incorporating three size 12 and 14 models (alongside his size 2 models) into his Spring/Summer 2010 show at London Fashion Week. What is particularly revolutionary about his effort – aside from the fact that he put body diversity on the catwalk – was that he did not make the focus of his show or media release on his incorporation of larger sizes (he did it as if it was expected) nor did he simply include a token full figured model for attention. His authentic and genuine celebration of body diversity – size 2, 12, and 14 – on the catwalk is inspiration for all fashion designers to dream beyond their exclusive use of one size. Change is coming.