Julian Assange postpones London Fashion Week modelling debut due to 'ill health'

The WikiLeaks founder was expected to hit the catwalk for Ben Westwood

Julian Assange holds a press conference at the Ecuadorian Embassy about his possible imminent departure (Getty)

A blight on London Fashion Week just days before the event begins - Julian Assange has cancelled his catwalk debut due to “ill health”, it has been confirmed.

The Australian WikiLeaks founder was scheduled to model for Vivienne Westwood’s son, Ben Westwood, at a fashion show staged at the Ecuadorean Embassy, where he has been seeking refuge for the past two years.

However, his health has now caused him to postpone his much-anticipated LFW appearance until February 2015.

“Julian couldn't do the event this week due to ill health,” a spokesperson for Westwood told The Independent.

“He is still very enthusiastic in hosting this event, but it will now have to be for the next London Fashion Week.”

In August, Assange confirmed that he would be leaving the embassy “soon”. Although he denied speculation that his departure was related to problems with his heart and lungs, he admitted that his stay there had impacted his health.

“Being detained for four years in various ways, and in this embassy for two years, with no sunlight, it is reasonable for any healthy person to find themselves with certain difficulties," said Assange.

He is avoiding extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over claims of sex offences.

Assange was due to wear a collection inspired part by his personal style (those berets and combats, apparently) and part by costumes worn in Clint Eastwood’s western films.

Planned soundtrack was to come by way of music from The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.

“Julian’s been in the embassy for two years and it’s important that he doesn’t slip into obscurity,” said Westwood in June.

“I want to highlight Julian Assange’s plight. What happened to him is totally unfair.”