Crisis management: Lisa Blue edits and re-shows in Miami

the offending suit at Australia Fashion Week in May/Image: Frazer Harrison Getty

At worst it was a case of extremely poor taste and insensitivity that bordered on racist behavior. At best it was just dumb move made by a clueless designer. But for Lisa Burke designer and founder of Lisa Blue Swim Wear the decision to include pieces baring the image of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (pictured left) in her 2012 collection was one that would haunt her for weeks after the show; and threaten the very business she had worked so hard to build.  Even before images of the collection hit the web, protesters were lined up outside the venue where the collection debuted; and in the hours after the show the international furor grew to levels that have not been seen since the bikini was first unveiled. 

Lisa Blue 2012/Image: Frazer Harrison/Getty North AmericaAngry comments, demands to halt production, public burnings of the Australian flag and even alleged death threats were tossed in the designer's direction before Burke made a public apology and promised to remove the offending pieces from her collection.

Image: Lisa Blue Swim 2012/ Frazer Harrison/Getty North America

For many designers this kind of world-wide lambasting would be difficult to overcome, and would require significant introspection before getting back into the ring. But Burke was undaunted as she showed the newly edited (and Goddess-free) Lisa Blue collection, Call of the Whale in Miami earlier this week. 

image: Lisa Blue Swim 2012/Frazer Harrison/Getty North America

Broken up into several mini-groups which included "Aboriginal" and "Renaissance Art" inspired looks the collection is said to be the product of Burke's deep commitment to the environment and the save the whales movement; with 25% of the proceeds from sales going to the Australian Whale Conservation Society.

So far reviews of the revamped collection have been wholly positive, leading industry insiders to whisper that Burke has done the impossible, and made a stunning comeback from a stunningly bad situation.

For more updates and images from Mercedes Benz Miami Swim week stay tuned to Style Wylde. 

Comments

[ihatewhaturwearing]

i dunno dressing models up like aborigines still seems kinda offensive.

[FiDi Fashionista]

I agree with previous comment, plus I don't think it's a great marketing idea to include 'whale' in the name of a swimsuit collection. Just sayin'.