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Lisa Burke brings Lisa Blue to the runway… and to the ocean waves, particularly the whales. We all try to do our part little by little in order to better the planet and wildlife around us, but Lisa Burke takes it to another level with her efforts to preserve the whales. With her fashionable swimsuits, Lisa is able to raise both awareness and funds for today’s ocean animals. She is a true whale activist and visionary who believes in using her creative talents for the greater good. Incorporating tribal influences mixed with metallic hues, jewel tones, and pops of color, Lisa Blue rocks the bathing beauty world with terrific force.
So, tell me all about your most recent fashion show for Miami’s Swimwear Fashion Week. There was so much great use of color and unique patterns. How did you come up with so many creative patterns to incorporate in your lines?
Every year I travel to Bali to surf and design. It is there that I connect with my creative spirit and start to channel my ideas. Plus, I am strongly and passionately inspired by our Australian Aboriginal culture. Once again, I have been inspired by a stunning Australian Aboriginal dot painting. The artist, Rosie Miller, is from the Whale tribe (Mirning tribe) in South Australia and is a strong supporter of the Lisa Blue campaign which is to help towards marine life conservation. I have created three very different tribal prints for the new collection ranging from an earthy tribal print to a glamorous gold-flecked version. My passion for the whales is also the inspiration behind the Galactic stories for the 2012 collection. In mythology it is said that the whales and dolphins came from the stars and their magic stems from other worlds. As I have swum up close and personal to whales and dolphins I have experienced their power, which is beyond words. The Galactic theme ties in with this mythology. Metallic gold and silver panels on matte black, smoky grey, and a deep, vibrant purple depict the Galactic theme in intricate sci-fi looking cuts with gold and silver studs to add an edgy but glamorous touch to the Galactic Warrior. In addition to these themes I was inspired by a photo of a peacock feather. I turned this photo into a painting which is literally a burst of bright colors. I mixed these suites with metallic gold, making the bikinis reversible. Here you get 2 sets for the price of one.
So, Galactic motifs were basically the overall theme for the collection?
There were a couple of themes in the show: The dazzling, intriguing Galactic Themes, which also included a stunning print of blues, turquoise, and purples inspired by a channeled painting of an extraterrestrial angel by whale activist and visionary artist Jean Luc Bozzoli. The Aboriginal tribal theme offered an array of colors ranging from the glamorous gold foiled version to a very feminine silk like mix of purples and warm colors. And, the outstanding 'Showbird' which is true to its title lights up the stage like a peacock dancing.
Out of all the looks amidst your themes, what would you say was your “statement piece” or most revered outfit on the runway?
My favorite is the Galactic Princess, black with gold paneled, one-piece that opened the show. This is the ultimate in glamour and, having a center zip allows the wearer the choice to reveal a little bit of cleavage, adding a sexy look if preferred.
Okay, let’s focus more on the brand itself. I understand you started your swimwear line to help preserve marine life, particularly whale life. Tell me how you became so motivated by this cause and what made you decide to become so dedicated.
Several years ago I went to Tonga with the sole purpose to swim with humpback whales. During this time I came face to face with a mother and her baby whale. The baby approached me and looked directly into my eyes. Only a foot away from me I stared back into to those ancient looking eyes of a new born whale and made a promise that I would do what I could to help protect them. As I was a keen surfer and lived in a bikini, I was often designing bikinis. Then one day whilst I was out in the ocean on my surf board it came to me to put my two passions together: 'save the whales' and ' bikini designs'… So was born my label Lisa Blue, which donates a full quarter of the profits to helping protect the whales and dolphins. As well as donating money, I am able to use fashion as the perfect medium to spread the message to the world to take care of the gentle giants of the ocean whose future is seriously at stake.
Can you tell me a little more about the Whale Conservation Society and your connection with them?
The Australian Whale Conservation Society (AWCS) is a cetacean conservation organization formed in the late 1970s, when Australia was still a whaling nation. Today, with Australia among the most vocal nations promoting whale conservation in the international community, the AWCS continues its advocacy for the permanent cessation of commercial whaling and the farce that it scientific permit whaling. The AWCS works towards whale protection and conservation in Australia, promoting public education about cetacean issues, cetacean research, and responsible, well-managed whale watching. I have a wonderful relationship with Paul Hodda, the founder of the AWCS. He keeps me informed of the whale politics and is like a mentor to me. I am honored to know souls like Paul who dedicate their lives to helping preserve our earth.
How did you decide that creating swimwear was how you wanted to help as a whale activist?
I saw a need for fashionable bikinis for surfer girls since the typical surf brands seemed rather limited in style. It was my wish to bring glamour to the waves. Whilst initially my swimwear business idea was derived from my perception of a gap in the market for ocean girls, I then expanded my project to create swimwear for all types of girls, including taking my beach look from day to night. Hence, I created Lisa Blue whereby I could fulfill my wish to use the platform of fashion to speak up about the plight of the whales and donate 25% of the profit to marine conservation. At first, I was like a baby crossing a busy, several lane highway. I made it to the other side with sheer determination, hard long hours of work, and attaining a fabulous team.
Tell me about your new bracelet, specifically dedicated to whale conservation, besides it being extremely adorable of course…
I wanted to create a product that could be sold to help raise funds for the AWCS and in doing so draw attention to the plight of the whales. It was actually my wonderful PR lady Prue Healey from Mint Partners, Australia who suggested the bracelet. I loved that idea and so designed and created the whale tail bracelet. I was delighted to see how responsive the general public was as the first shipment of bracelets sold out immediately. People love to purchase something pretty with a good cause behind it.
Absolutely. So, tell me more about Lisa the surfer…
Well, actually surfing has been one of my greatest passions for several years. I was a late starter in my mid 30's and as soon as I got my first wave, was totally addicted. Surfing is a way to be really close to nature, to feel free and peaceful. Out in the blue, I get to swim with dolphins and sometimes even whales. These days I work a lot and am more on the land than I want to be. But, I am driven by my cause and am dedicated to the running of Lisa Blue and such are the sacrifices of life. I particularly love my trips to Bali where I make sure I surf most days and often come up with designs out on the surf board. Plus, I live in the coastal town Byron Bay with the beach being a minute walk from my house and so I can catch a wave straight out my back door. And, when the waves are big (big for me is 10 foot), I get such a thrill and in that moment when I am riding the wave. I feel like I can do almost anything if I set my mind to it.
I love Byron Bay. It’s gorgeous. When I went to Australia, it was actually my first stop on the trip. Okay, let’s talk about your target customer a little. Who is wearing Lisa Blue?
Offering a variety of gorgeous styles, Lisa Blue epitomizes femininity. With designs ranging from striking, authentic Australian Aboriginal-style prints to hot, sexy Renaissance art to edgy and elegant pieces such as the Galactic stories using metallic panels and studs…Lisa Blue compliments all. Lisa Blue offers such a wide mix of cuts and designs ranging from bikinis designed to stay on in 15 foot waves to stunning glamorous pieces sure to turn heads at a pool party or worn with a pair of pants out in the evening. Lisa Blue is for the young at heart and the modern girl who is not afraid to show her beauty to the world and cares to make a difference.
So what kind of materials are you most drawn to for your collections and which ones do you try to steer clear of?
I love using the best of Lycra, which we get mainly from Italy and I prefer our trims to be metallic or wooden where possible as opposed to plastic, which means creating a swimsuit that is top quality and durable.
When it comes to fashion design in general, what do you think are the three most essential things to possess or keep in mind?
Whilst keeping an eye on trends is an important part of the process, I think it is important to trust one's own intuition and have fun being creative. Pieces that have come from the magical creative force that is within us all, always seem to have that special 'it' factor. It cannot be mathematically forced, but is part of the flow of the universe. And, having a supportive team to work with is also of utmost importance. My girls add to the recipe and together we manifest a well thought out range that will appeal to all.
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