Waterwear 2011 Lisa Blue: Dances With Whales
Lisa Burke wants to prove that you can save the world—and do it dressed in a bikini.
Burke introduced her Lisa Blue swimwear to America in 2010. The Byron Bay, Australia–based line donates 25 percent of its net profits to nonprofit group Australian Whale Conservation.
Burke—a designer, model, surfer, activist and mother—started the line of sexy swimwear in 2009 in part to raise funds to preserve whales. Many species of whales suffer from dangerously low population counts, according to environmental group Greenpeace and The International Whaling Commission, a group that regulates the whaling industry.
Burke became committed to the preservation of whales after swimming off the waters of the South Pacific nation of Tonga. The purpose of the trip was to swim with whales—an activity only allowed by a couple of nations, Burke said. During her dip, clad in snorkeling gear, she encountered a submarine-sized mother whale and her refrigerator-sized baby. The baby swam inches away from Burke.
“It was like a religious experience,” she said. “It was similar to giving birth to my first child.”
She vowed to find a way to protect whales and marine environments. The result is a line that features bikinis with classic triangle tops and bandeau tops as well as maillots. Some maillots feature a stylish one-shouldered strap. Other suits feature lace on bikini bottoms and molded halter-style tops.
The prints and designs feature Australian aboriginal art (from the Whale Tribe, naturally) and graphics from Italian Renaissance paintings. The prints broaden the appeal from surfer girls to women who would prefer to lounge in the sun, Burke said.
Wholesale price points range from $25 to $40 for separates. For more information, call (213) 622-5997, e-mail showroom410@aol.com or visit http://lisablue.com.au.—Andrew Asch
