Swimsuit FAIL: Hindu Goddess Lakshmi Appears, Then Vanishes From Swimsuit (PHOTOS)

A swimsuit bearing the likeness of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi has been recalled from production after protest from Hindus in Australia and the Indian disapora. Swimwear designer Lisa Blue halted production and distribution of the suit after controversy and protests erupted following her show at Sydney Fashion Week. 

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, speaking in the North India Times said that it was disturbing to see goddess Lakshmi, who is revered as a mother Goddess, in that way.

"Lakshmi was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not for pushing swimwear in fashion shows for mercantile greed of an apparel company," Zed argued.

Blue, based in Australia, recalled the swimsuits after the outcry and issued this statement on Facebook: "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 from last week removed. Lisa Blue has been born out of a love of conservation, spirituality and a respect for all people. At no time would we ever have intended that the brand would cause offence. The use of images of Goddess Lakshmi was not in any way a measure of calculated risk taking, simply it was a desire to celebrate different cultures and share that through our brand."

Go to the next page for more.