‘The Body’ Elle Macpherson has caused a furore after posting online claims she used a globally banned product.

The supermodel has sparked outrage after revealing that she uses the Chinese-based medicinal therapy of powdered rhinoceros horn in her beauty treatments.

She was in the process of conducting an online interview with leading British newspaper The Times Online, when she apparently condoned the use of the powdered product made from the endangered species to the interviewer, claiming via her Twitter link-up that simply put, the product worked for her. Macpherson compounded matters by going on to describe in detail the rhino horn taste, suggesting it resembled a mix of fungus and crushed bone in capsule form, before adding that it does a good job. Exactly what crushed bone and fungus actually does a good job of doing was not specified.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare was quick to react to the incident, claiming they have prepared an information brochure for Macpherson which they will be sending in order to educate her on both the use of traditional alternative medicines and also the plight of the rhino, stating that her comments were frankly shocking. They added that not only was the practice of using endangered animal products inexcusable, it was technically illegal. Spokeswoman Erica Martin lamented the notion that Macpherson’s long run of successful careers and businesses, and generally a well-respected image, had meant that the public were impressionable to her comments and listened to whatever she had to say.

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.

The catwalks of Milan, Paris, New York and London have all featured an age-old display in recent weeks - literally. What was once thought to be a catwalk ‘no-no’ is now seen as key to attracting an altogether new market, although some may still be shocked to find the presence of gray hair on the runways.

The stars of the fall fashion shows were, surprisingly, more mature models – some even well into their forties. In the fashion world, such a concept was once unthinkable, but the move reflects the new marketing approach to the real consumer. The initiative is a far cry from teen models that more often cannot even buy a new dress on a credit card or drive to the show.

Calvin Klein’s creative director, Francisco Costa, said the decision was certainly a break from tradition but that he was aiming for his models to represent a true reflection of the purchasing public, pointing out that this was unlikely to be your average 16-year-old.

Costa’s latest collection featured the distinctly gray-haired Kristen McMenamy, who was also featured at Viktor & Rolf, in addition to ’90s sensations and modern-day mothers Stella Tennant and Kirsty Hume.

Costa admits that the economic downturn, which has led to global purse-strings being tightened, have forced a rethink in the marketing approach of the industry. Using older, curvier models will also counter the ever-present complaints over wafer-thin runway girls.

The new approach is aimed by the fashion industry at making itself more relatable to its prime customers. A slew of eighties beauties, including Elle MacPeherson, Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr are all now being lined up by the likes of Marc Jacobs.