Fashion icon Lilly Pulitzer died on April 7 at age 81.
Known for running her namesake empire characterized by classic styles and bright, floral prints, Pulitzer debuted her fashion career by accident in 1959 with “the Lilly”—a shift dress adorned with brightly colored floral patterns.
While operating a lemonade stand using oranges from her then husband Peter Pulitzer’s orchards in Palm Beach, FL, Pulitzer sought to find a uniform that could mask juice stains on her clothing. The floral print dress she designed, the Lilly, was the beginning of “a fashion uniform for wealthy socialites and jet setters,” according to a April 7 New York Times article.
Known for its eye-catching and colorful patterns, Lilly Pulitzer has grown to an empire with $122.6 million in net sales in 2012. Peaking in popularity in the 1960s and ’70s, Lilly Pulitzer has seen many notable clients, such as Jacqueline Kennedy. However, Lilly Pulitzer has not taken a linear path to success. In the 1984, as styles had changed, Pulitzer was forced to filed bankruptcy. Though, a decade later the brand was revived as Sugartown Worldwide purchased the license. Since retirement in 1993, Pulitzer remained a consultant. Lilly Pulitzer still makes clothing in the original patterns of the 1950s and ’60s, making Pulitzer’s legacy all the more visible today.
Photo Credit: http://www.elle.com/fashion/sp…