Vibrant colors with floral patterns. Tall brunettes and blondes twirling under the sun in preppy pink, green and yellow dresses. One could spot a Lilly Pulitzer dress from a mile away. Today the fashion world says goodbye to the iconic designer. Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau passed away at the age of 81.
When she was 21 years-old, Lilly eloped with Peter Pulitzer from New York City to Palm Beach. It was there in the sand under the palm trees that the young designer found inspiration for her fashion. Her “classic shift dress” shot to international fame and demand when Lilly’s old schoolmate Jacqueline Kennedy née Bouvier was photographed wearing a “Lilly” while on vacation.
“Jackie wore one of my dresses – it was made from kitchen curtain material – and people went crazy. They took off like zingo. Everybody loved them, and I went into the dress business,” Lilly said.
The Lilly Pultizer Facebook page reported: Early this morning, Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau passed away peacefully in Palm Beach, surrounded by family and loved ones. Lilly has been a true inspiration to us and we will miss her. In the days and weeks ahead we will celebrate all that Lilly meant to us. Lilly was a true original who has brought together generations through her bright and happy mark on the world.
Her colorful patterns and fashion trademark will live on.
