Alex Perry admits he suffered a ‘serious lapse of judgment’ in using skinny models

FASHION designer Alex Perry has said he suffered a “serious lapse of judgment” for his use of overly thin models during Australian Fashion Week.

FASHION designer Alex Perry has said he suffered a “serious lapse of judgment” for his use of overly thin models during Australian Fashion Week.

Photos showing the former Australia’s Next Top Model runner-up Cassi Van Den Dungen looking gaunt and bony on the runway sparked a debate in the media and online yesterday.

Cassi van den Dungen’s skinny appearance for Alex Perry has caused a storm at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Picture: Stefan Gosatti

Appearing on the Nine Network’s Today show, Perry said the decision to use Van Den Dungen was a serious lapse of judgment on his behalf.

The designer said when he later watched the footage of the parade he recoiled.

“That’s not the image that I think is a good one to put forward,” he told the network on Wednesday.

@TheTodayShow @AlexPerry007Well done Alex Perry, taking responsiblity.... U owned it...Gonna check out ur fashion!!!Love ur ethics!!!

— Robyn Henare (@HenareRobyn) April 8, 2014

Well done @AlexPerry007 responding to my plea on @TheTodayShow. Much respect. Now we need fashion industry action #walkthetalk

— Suzanne Mostyn (@suzannemostyn) April 8, 2014

“It’s certainly not what I’ve presented my brand about.

“I should have made that call. I’m putting my hand up and saying ‘you know what, that was wrong, it was wrong, that was the wrong image to present’.”

Perry poses with model Alessandra Ambrosio on the runway. Picture: Stefan Gosatti

The director of Van Den Dungen’s agent Work Agency said the model was devastated by the comments.

Helena Vitolins said Van Den Dungen did not have an eating disorder.

Perry said his decision to use Alessandra Ambrosio, a mother-of-two, promoted a healthier image.

MORE: ‘SKINNY MODEL’ DEBATE HITS MBFWA AGAIN

MORE: SHOCK AT THE PARADE OF STRUTTING SKELETONS

The Brazilian model on Tuesday requested a bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast before hitting the runway.

Perry said it would require a united approach from the broader fashion industry, including magazines and designers, to change attitudes and practices around what was an acceptable standard for models.

Picture: Stefan Gosatti

Picture: Stefan Gosatti

So impressed with @AlexPerry007 this morn. Owning an error in judgement & stepping forward as a powerful ambassador for the industry #MBFWA

— Rachel Fowler (@RachelFowler9) April 8, 2014

Alex Perry congrats on admitting you made a mistake on using a too slender model

— Maryann Shine (@maryannshine) April 8, 2014