A skimpy swimsuit print that is part of the newest goddess-inspired collection uncovered by a Byron Bay swimsuit designer angered the Indians.

The swimsuit, which was exhibited at the Australian Fashion Week, is a creation of label Lisa Blue. Its resemblance with the honored Hindu goddess Lakshmi was the cause of the outrage in India.

Furious Indians in Amritsar waved placards showing the outfit as they burned the Australian flag in protest. Moreover, the Indian media expressed utmost dismay at the use of the goddess of wealth and beauty as a fashion item.

Lisa Burke, fashion label's maker, posted an apology on the label's Facebook page last Saturday.

"This range will never be available for sale in any stock or retail outlets anywhere in the world. We apologize to the Hindu community and take this matter very seriously," Burke said.

Burke’s apology failed to pacify protesters, who continued demonstrations across the weekend.

According to the North India Times, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism expresses that the deities deserve respect.
"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," President Rajan Zed conveyed.

With this, Burke posted another apology, "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," Burke said in details in another statement on the label's website.