Lahana swimwear: Australian bikini brand’s new campaign sparks furious debate and is slammed for lack of diversity
Lahana swimwear: Australian bikini brand’s new campaign sparks heated debate and criticism for lack of diversity
Australian swimwear label Lahana outraged social media users on Wednesday over the perceived lack of diversity in their new swimwear campaign.
The company posted a photo gallery to Instagram showcasing their new range, featuring ten young, athletic white women modeling black bikinis.
The women were styled to look uniform during the photoshoot that was meant to promote girl power.
Lahana captioned the gallery with some informative words: “Our local community showed up at 4:30 in the morning and came together in solidarity.
“We called on our local girl gang to come together in the female PWR + ENRGY. These amazing women came to do just that. LA STAM. WE LOVE YOU.’
Australian swimwear label Lahana outraged social media users on Wednesday over the perceived lack of diversity in their new swimwear campaign. Pictured: Lahana’s models in their new campaign
While the brand may have wanted to promote solidarity between women, they were quickly denounced in the comments section for the models’ lack of diversity.
“Only thin white women showed up here because the brand caters to a certain demographic,” snapped one follower.
‘If this is: WHERE is the representation? How tone deaf can you be to post this let alone with the caption “real bodies”? This is embarrassing,” another person added.
The company posted a photo gallery on Instagram showcasing their new range, featuring 10 young, athletic white women modeling black bikinis.
“There are no curvy women here, plus size women or women of color. They’re all skinny white women… Stop following,” a third person interjected.
However, other followers defended the campaign, saying there may be more to it.
“Get over yourself, not every post from this company has to cater for EVERY body shape or color. Are you joking?’ one person wrote.
“This is great, we can’t please everyone, can we? Grab it,” a second person snapped.
While the brand may have wanted to promote solidarity between women, they were quickly denounced in the comments section for the models’ lack of diversity.
Lahana was quick to respond to the criticism, claiming that the upset followers simply misunderstood the situation.
‘TThese are “real bodies” because they are bodies inhabited by their powerful owners. This was a local call, which means these girls have chosen to participate,’ they began.
“We would have liked more shapes and skin tones, but these are the beautiful, strong girls who decided to be there and participate on this day.
“We are so thankful for them and the energy they brought to the shoot.”
Lahana Swim offers stylish swimwear and sportswear for women of all ages, and the designs have been featured on reality shows such as Bachelor in Paradise.
Lahana Swim offers stylish swimwear and sportswear for women of all ages, and the designs have been featured on reality shows such as Bachelor in Paradise. Pictured: Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield in Lahana swimwear