Will the anorexic chic fetish ever end? Super-thin models spark renewed debate over size zero as Donatella Versace's runway show opens London Fashion Week

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London Fashion Week has so far resisted overwhelming pressure to ban dangerously underweight models from the catwalk.

But the debate over the issue was reignited on Saturday after skeletal women with sunken cheeks and stick-thin legs were seen walking the runway at the Versace show.

The gaunt models paraded their worryingly slender limbs in revealing creations from the Italian fashion house's Versus label - which has Donatella at the helm.

Model-of-the-moment Bella Hadid took centre stage on the runway as her older sister Gigi and Zayn Malik cheered her on from the front row.

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Dangerous trend: Skeletal models were seen walking the runway at Versace's London Fashion Week show on Saturday

But the attention was taken away from Bella when the emaciated models started walking down the catwalk, many showing extreme 'thigh gaps' and prominent collarbones. 

It is not the first time Donatella has come under intense scrutiny for its views on underweight models.

In 2011, Versace reportedly refused to allow designs from her Versace for H&M line to be modelled by 'real women' instead of professional models.

According to the New York Daily News, the designer refused to 'approve' two of the women chosen for its photo shoot last Friday.

Worryingly thin: Many of the models showcased their extreme 'thigh gaps' and prominent collarbones as they walked down the runway

Biker chic: Model-of-the-moment Bella Hadid took centre stage on the runway as her older sister Gigi and Zayn Malik cheered her on from the front row

The paper was initially told by a PR for H&M that 'Donatella will likely not approve shooting the collection on real women.'

Later, the publicist refused to loan garments on the grounds that the chosen models did not 'fit [Versace's] branding.'

Donatella flaunted her gym-honed body in a tight-fitting metallic top and ripped jeans when she took to the runway on Saturday.

The latest controversy comes just days after Victoria Beckham was slammed for using super-skinny models in her New York Fashion Week show.

Slender: The debate over whether dangerously underweight models should be banned from catwalk was reignited on Saturday after super-thin women were seen on the catwalk

Controversy: Donatella flaunted her gym-honed body in a tight-fitting metallic top and ripped jeans

The girls hit back by posing pictures of themselves eating food - including pizza.

One Australian model has helped launch a #nosizefitsall campaign with Britain's Women's Equality Party in time for London Fashion Week.

Rosie Nelson, 24, who refused to accept a modelling agency's demand to 'get down to the bone', is now calling for a law to protect young people from being put under pressure to be dangerously thin.

Debate: It is not the first time Versace has come under intense scrutiny for its views on underweight models

Tiny: One model drew attention to her slim waist with a statement leather belt 

The leader of the Women's Equality Party, Sophie Walker, joined forces with Rosie to change attitudes about weight in the fashion industry. 

'We aim with this campaign to bring an end at last to the idea that there is only one kind of body and one size of fashion for all,' Ms Walker said. 

They reject the suggestion that this is impractical, pointing to the trend towards 'see-now buy-now' collections.

The clothes are already there - they've just not being shown on the catwalk,' spokeswoman Catherine Riley said.