British singer Elton John, who has two children with husband David Furnish via a surrogate mother, has blasted Italian fashion design duo Dolce and Gabanna for criticising fertility treatment and same-sex parenting.

The singer has also called for a boycott of their designer goods.

He posted on Instagram "How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic'. And shame on you for wagging your judgemental little fingers at IVF - a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfill their dream of having children. Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana."

Dolce and Gabbana, who are now business partners after their romantic relationship ended, replied on Sunday that they had been talking about their own opinions and had not meant to judge others' behaviour.

Motherhood was the theme of the design duo's most recent show at Milan fashion week, with models in floral skirts carrying babies.

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