Supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been attacked by the Brazilian media

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been attacked by the Brazilian media for appearing too fat on the runway.

Karolina Kurkova Supermodel

Czech Kurkova was slated in the country for appearing in a bikini with what critics called "back fat, love handles and cellulite".

Kurkova, 24, is best known for being a Victoria's Secret Angel whose superfit physique has graced the pages of fashion magazines around the world.

But her recent appearance at the Cia Maritima show during Sao Paulo Fashion Week had fashion critics up in arms.

An article in a Brazilian paper about the leggy 5'11" Kurkova described how "shocked" the audience was when she appeared looking uncharacteristically chubby with "cellulite on her butt."

Kurkova is one of the world's highest-paid models, according to Forbes.

In addition to Victoria's Secret, she has featured in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Balenciaga.

The fashion industry has been under fire recently for its promotion of skinny models and pledged to adopt a more healthy image for young girls who often force themselves to become thin in the battle to secure a place among the top tier.

In 2006, Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, 21, made headlines when she died of anorexia on the eve of a Paris photoshoot after subsisting on a diet of apples and tomatoes for several months. At 5'8", she weighed just 39.9kg.

In 2007, Uruguayan fashion model Eliana Ramos, 18, died of a heart attack believed to be related to malnutrition.

The shocking deaths prompted a public outcry and heavy criticism of the fashion industry for promoting unattainable standards of beauty.

Source : News Limited