It was with great nostalgia and sadness that I type this. One of my heroes has passed away, the iconic Lilly Pulitzer. Ironically I am reading her biography right now, Lilly by Kathryn Livingston. As I type, it is sitting on my bedside table.
Lilly Pulitzer was my kind of girl. She must have a had a love for life that was contagious. She was known by her close friends for spontaneous, barefoot dance parties when they would drop by, have a drink and enjoy the cacophony of kids, dogs, great music and overall fun. To the rest of the world, she was known for her colorful frocks that have become a signature “Lilly” look. Her fabrics were a result of running a juice stand in Palm Beach just off Worth Ave. You see, colorful fabrics did not show juice stains. They became all the rage in Palm Beach the summer of 1962 and Lilly herself asked “have I started some weird cult?” .
However, more than anything, Lilly was my hero for her originality. Anyone who has a keen sense of style knows it only stems from a deep sense of originality.
So, thank you Lilly for being an original in a world full of look-alikes. Our world is richer for you being in it, and isn’t that what we all want, for the world to be a better place simply by being in it!!!!
I wore Lily when I was in college many years ago, and sent my daughter off with many of her own 25 years later…a true talent…
I was a teen when I first spotted the bright and happy world of Lilly prints. They were bold, happy and full of confidence – everything I wanted then and now. Funny, I see my teenage daughter admiring clothing for the same character traits I sought.
pve
Dear PVE ~
Yes, I agree completely with you. The bold, happy colors were what made Lilly authentic and original.
I bought my first dress in 1994 and remember thinking I had finally found my summer look.Lilly shifts and Jack Rogers sandals were all I needed!
Best,
Sarah