WATCH: Alex Perry takes full blame for casting skinny Cassi van den Dungen: 'I was wrong'

Alex Perry has admitted to a "lapse of judgement" when casting controversially slim model Cassi van den Dungen in his runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

In a candid interview with Today above, watch what the Aussie designer has to say about his decision to cast Cassi… and why he takes full blame for doing so.

The former Australia's Next Top Model finalist shocked the high-fash crowds at Perry's show on Monday, with her protruding elbows and sunken cheeks causing Marie Claire editor Jackie Frank to call management over her health.

"When I saw those legs I nearly died," she said. "I rang the model's agent and said 'why is that girl walking down the runway when she's clearly not healthy?'"

And while Alex admits 'he was off the ball', 21-year-old Cassi has told critics via Instagram to "deal with it" alongside snaps of uneaten spreads backstage at Fashion Week. See those below!