Exactly one week ago today one of the world's most renowned fashion icons passed, but not without leaving a legacy and a clothing line that will surely last forever.
Lilly Pulitzer, at 81, passed away in her Palm Beach home. Her bold prints and need of something to do caused her, almost accidentally, to be launched into fashion history. In 1959 Lilly opened a juice stand and quickly realized she needed a dress that would conceal orange and grapefruit juice stains, so she had one made. The pattern was so popular among the elite socialite group that surrounded her that her dresses became a closet must have. They originally sold for only $22, and in short, they were known as the Lillys, and if you didn't have one, you didn't even think twice about attending the next backyard party. The simplistic shape of the dress paired with the crazy patterns that Mrs. Pulitzer fancied were moderately priced and accessible to most, however "only those who were rich enough to have bad taste wore them". Bold prints clearly are not for everyone.
Mrs. Pulitzer, who originally married into the famous publishing family, divorced her first husband Peter and married Enrique Rousseau in 1969. She retired in 1984 and let the company take over her unique designs.
Lilly became an icon for the preppiest of the preppy and still remains one of the favorite designers for summer parties. Though her colorful spirit is gone, her clothes, her name, and her disregard for the norm in fashion will always live on. Lilly, you will be greatly missed, but certainly never forgotten.
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