Lilly Pulitzer, founder of the South Florida inspired brand, passed away today at the age of 81. It has been reported that the socialite and fashion designer died in West Palm Beach. The cause of her death is unknown. Pulitzer’s penchant for jungle and floral print shift dresses will continue to live on forever in celebration of her life.
Pulitzer began her foray into fashion designing in 1959 during her marriage to Joseph Pulitzer. As the wife of a husband who owned orange groves, Lilly opened her own juice stand in 1959. Seeing as juice spillage and fruit stains were inevitable, Lilly asked her seamstresses to make dresses in prints that camouflaged the orange juice stains. Lilly hung up the dresses at her juice and they became more popular than the juice she was selling.
Throughout the 60’s Lilly Pulitzer emerged into a brand name. Customers were enamored with the tropical print dresses and their classic timeless silhouette. The brand was soon expanded to swimwear, menswear and a home collection. The interior of Lilly Pulitzer stores embody Lilly’s fun and free spirited West Palm Beach life.
Known for hosting parties barefooted at her Palm Beach home, Lilly Pulitzer always said: “That’s what life is all about. Let’s have a party. Let’s have it tonight.”