Playboy
unveiled a new-look bunny costume on Wednesday for its upcoming
Indian club launch, opting for a more demure take on the waitress
outfits but keeping the ears, bow-ties and fluffy tails.
In a bid to appease conservative Indian values, the traditional
skimpy corset has been replaced with a sari-inspired two-piece
costume, comprising a one-shoulder top, a bare midriff and a sheer,
full-length skirt with a split.
"Being able to introduce our brand in a responsible and meaningful
way in India was our key objective," said Matthew Nordby, executive
vice president of Playboy Enterprises, visiting Mumbai from Beverly
Hills for the launch.
While Playboy magazine remains banned in India, the first club
bearing the brand is due to open in the holiday state of Goa early
next year, pushed back from the initially planned date of
mid-December.
The beachside outlet will be the first of 120 clubs, hotels,
fashion cafes and shops planned in India over the next ten years by
local franchisee PB Lifestyle.
"It's a natural fit with the growing middle-class and Generation Y
here in India," Nordby told AFP.
The bunnies, who will serve drinks in the clubs, will be from
overseas.
"They're here in India, going through a rigorous bunny training
programme," Nordby said.
Tourist officials in Goa have warned that they would shut down the
inaugural Playboy club if there was any evidence of "obscenity,
vulgarity or nudity".
PB Lifestyle has assured no nudity will be involved.
Playboy magazine, along with a host of other foreign "adult"
publications, is not permitted in India owing to obscenity laws
banning material deemed "lascivious or appealing to prurient
interests".
