Body battle

Showbiz

13:30 14 August 2006

Supermodels Heidi Klum and Elle Macpherson are locked in a bitter row over a nickname.

Heidi has launched a new lingerie range with Victoria's Secret called 'The Body', a nickname Elle has been using throughout her 20-year modeling career.

Heidi, 33, said: "They call me 'The Body' and now I have a bra named after me."

Elle, 43, is said to have been "flabbergasted" by Heidi's announcement.

Her spokeswoman, Melissa Edwards, said: "We saw that and were, like, 'Oh my God!' We were initially flabbergasted."

Both camps are confident they can prove the trademark moniker is rightfully theirs.

Edwards said: "We have numerous press clippings in the office referring to Elle as 'The Body'.

"Everything from Harpers Bazaar to Vogue to the recent Sports Illustrated calls her that. In terms of public record, that name belongs to Elle."

In response, Ed Razek, creative director for Victoria's Secret, insists they can prove Heidi is the rightful owner of the title.

He said: "We have press clippings and newscaster reports from nearly 10 years calling Heidi 'The Body'. Who are we to argue with the media?"

(C) BANG Media International