TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: The Australian designer, who created a stir by depicting Hindu goddesses on her latest swimwear collection has apologised for her “inadvertent” misuse of Indian religious images. The apology came after the foreign ministry took up the matter with the Australian high commission in India following protests by the Indian community in Sydney and rightwing groups in India.
In the recently concluded Rosemount Australian fashion week in Sydney, designer Lisa Burke had displayed swimwear costumes carrying Indian religious images, including that of goddess Lakshmi.
“The ministry of external affairs has conveyed its deep concern to the Australian high commission in New Delhi, asking that all concerned be apprised of Indian religious sensitivities in the matter. The issue was similarly taken up by our consulate general in Sydney with the fashion designer,” a statement by the foreign ministry said, adding that the images had been displayed inappropriately.
The statement said Burke promptly apologised “to the Hindu community” and assured that the range had been withdrawn and would never be available for sale in any “stockist or retail outlet” anywhere in the world. The designer also agreed to stop production of the controversial swimwear.
According to reports, bikinis with images of goddess Lakshmi were displayed last week at the Rosemount Australian fashion week in Sydney, under the label Lisa Blue. They were designed by Burke.
As news of the collection reached India, Hindu rightwing groups condemned the fashion show for “hurting Hindu sentiments” and staged protests. They also submitted a memorandum to the Australian high commission demanding immediate action against those involved in designing and conducting the fashion show.
“We would like to offer an apology to anyone we may have offended and advise that the image of goddess Lakshmi will not appear on any piece of Lisa Blue swimwear for the new season, with a halt put on all production of the new range and pieces shown on the runway removed,” said a statement issued by Lisa Blue Swimwear in Australia. “We apologise to the Hindu community and take this matter very seriously,” it added.
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