Yet another fashion designed has caused public indignation following an insulting outburst.

Proving the old adage that fashion designers are often better seen than heard, controversial Welsh designer Julien MacDonald has spoken out against plus-sized catwalk models, labelling them a ‘joke’.

MacDonald’s comments have already sparked condemnation from health groups, with the Welsh Assembly’s Cross-Party Group on Eating Disorders Bethan Jenkins saying Macdonald’s statements were particularly damaging to young women with eating disorders who looked up to models and tried to emulate them, placing undue stress on impressionable youngsters.

MacDonald, who is due to appear alongside host Elle MacPherson in the new series of Britain’s Next Top Model, said that the lack of full-figure models on the TV show was understandable, and that it would be inconceivable that a plus-sized girl could win the competition. He bluntly added that a size 14 in the dressing rooms was clearly on the wrong show, and that they would only be setting themselves up for failure. His comments came as he was trying to hype the show, which is due to premier soon, and certainly has drawn attention to the series.

MacDonald claimed the show was ‘serious’, and that it would be turned into a farce should larger women be allowed to compete, despite the curvaceous Whitney Thompson taking out first prize in the Tyra Banks-hosted American version of the same show. MacDonald has made it clear that the UK edition would have no such plans, while at the same time making it clear that this year’s entrants would be likely to suffer public humiliation during the show. This from the rather short man who once wanted Amy Winehouse as his model.

Tags: Amy Winehouse, eating, Elle MacPherson, Fashion, health, Julien MacDonald, models, plus size models, Tyra Banks