Lilly Pulitzer: An exploration of the lifestyle icon who reigned over the realm of resort attire
In the early 1960s, Lillian "Lilly" Pulitzer Rousseau transformed her life in Palm Beach, Florida, into a fashion empire with the creation of the Lilly Pulitzer brand. The brand, known for its vibrant, tropical prints, was born somewhat serendipitously when Lilly opened a juice stand and needed dresses that could hide juice stains[1][2].
Lilly, who married Peter Pulitzer, the grandson of Joseph Pulitzer, in 1952, moved to Palm Beach with her husband. The couple had three children together. After the move, Lilly started a juice bar in the late 1950s, and her sleeveless dresses with bright prints became more popular than her juices[3][4].
In the 1960s, the brand gained popularity among high society and celebrities for its colorful, resort-style dresses. Although Lilly Pulitzer briefly ceased operations in the 1980s, it relaunched in the 1990s, reestablishing itself as a purveyor of preppy, playful fashion[3].
Today, Lilly Pulitzer stands as an emblem of the Palm Beach lifestyle, extending beyond fashion into lifestyle brand collaborations. For example, the brand has recently ventured into garden-inspired interior design themes, reflecting its ongoing evolution and influence in fashion and decor[5]. The brand continues to celebrate its heritage through vintage styles and maintains its signature aesthetic of vibrant prints and casual elegance closely tied to Palm Beach culture[4].
In 2019, the Lilly Pulitzer company partnered with Discover The Palm Beaches to create a tourist guide. The guide differentiates experiences in The Palm Beaches into four types: The Jetsetter, The Beach Lover, The Luxe Traveler, and The Adventurer. The guide highlights Lilly Pulitzer-inspired things to do in The Palm Beaches, offering visitors a taste of the brand's colourful history and iconic style[6].
The Lilly Pulitzer brand remains faithful to the original chic resort style, making it a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts and tourists alike. And for those looking to emulate Lilly's style, the brand includes purchasable style recommendations in the guide[7].
References:
- Lilly Pulitzer
- Lilly Pulitzer: The Story Behind the Brand
- Lilly Pulitzer: A Look Back at the Brand's History
- Lilly Pulitzer: The Iconic Brand's Evolution
- Lilly Pulitzer's New Garden-Inspired Home Collection
- Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach Guide
- Lilly Pulitzer's Guide to Palm Beach
- In the early 1960s, Lilly Pulitzer's vibrant, tropical prints became synonymous with resort fashion, attracting the attention of high society and celebrities.
- Lilly Pulitzer's eco-friendly, garden-inspired home collection reflects the brand's ongoing evolution and influence in both fashion and decor.
- The Lilly Pulitzer tourist guide, created in collaboration with Discover The Palm Beaches, offers fashion enthusiasts and tourists a glimpse into the brand's colourful history and iconic style.
- The Jetsetter, one of the types of experiences highlighted in the Lilly Pulitzer tourist guide, caters to those seeking a luxurious, jetset lifestyle that merges fashion-and-beauty with home-and-garden aesthetics.
- The Lilly Pulitzer brand continues to celebrate its heritage through vintage styles and maintains its signature aesthetic of casual elegance that is closely tied to Palm Beach culture and nature.
- Adventure seekers will find Lilly Pulitzer-inspired activities in The Palm Beaches according to the guide, making the brand a must-visit destination for those seeking an outdoor, eco-adventure.
- The Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach Guide offers suggestions on how to emulate Lilly's chic, resort-style lifestyle, making it a valuable resource for those desiring to embrace the brand's fashion-and-beauty lifestyle.
