Australian bikini brand’s new campaign sparks fury online

This promo picture by an Australian swimwear label has caused uproar online for one simple reason.

An Australian swimwear label has been accused of a lack of diversity by featuring “only skinny white women” in its latest campaign.

Lahana posted a gallery of photos to Instagram showcasing its new range which featured 10 young, athletic, female models in black bikinis, on Wednesday.

But many social media users were quick to turn on the brand, accusing it in the comments section of not being inclusive.

“Only thin caucasian women showed up to this because the brand is marketing to a certain demographic,” one follower remarked.

‘Tf is this, 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 wrote.

‘There are no curvy women or plus size women here or coloured women here. It’s all skinny white women … Unfollowing,’ a third person chipped in.

Australian swimwear label Lahana has been accused of a perceived lack of diversity in their new swimwear campaign. Picture: Lahana

However, other followers defended the campaign, saying critics were nitpicking.

“Get over yourselves, not every single post made by this company needs to cater for EVERY single body shape or colour. Are you kidding me?” one person wrote.

“This is amazing, we can’t please everyone can we? Get a grip,” a second person sniped.

Lahana responded to the backlash and claimed those criticising the campaign were missing the point.

“These are ‘real bodies’ because they are bodies inhabited by their powerful owners. This was a local call out, which means these girls choose to participate,” the brand said in a statement.

“We would have loved to have more shapes and skin tones, but these are the beautiful, strong girls who decided to show up and participate on the day.

“We are so grateful for them and the energy they brought to the shoot.”

Australian swimwear label Lahana has been accused of a lack of diversity in their new swimwear campaign. Picture: Lahana

The women pictured in the shoot were local volunteers. Picture: Lahana

According to Lahana, the models used in the shoot had responded to a call-out for local women with “real bodies”, and they had used everyone who showed up on the day.

“Our local community turned up at a freezing 5:30am start and came together in solidarity,” the post read.

“We called out to our local girl gang to stand together in feminine PWR + ENRGY. These amazing women showed up to do just that. LA TRIBE. WE LUV U.”

Lahana Swim provides stylish swim and activewear for women of all ages, and its designs have been featured on reality shows such as Bachelor in Paradise.

Originally published as Australian bikini brand’s new campaign sparks fury online