Iconic fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer passed away peacefully Sunday in her Palm Beach home at the age of 81.
Known for her brightly colored dresses and unique prints, Lilly Pulitzer certainly left her mark on the fashion community. While many lament the loss of such a talented woman, it’s better to celebrate her life than to mourn her death — it’s the way Lilly would have wanted it.
Pulitzer’s life motto was to live colorfully, and indeed she did. As a bored socialite, Pulitzer started a juice stand to pass the time. She wore bright-patterned sleeveless shift dresses to conceal juice stains. With time, the dresses, known as “Lillys,” grew in popularity.
After selling more dresses than juice, she decided to focus on making clothing. Pulitzer’s former classmate Jackie Kennedy was photographed wearing a Lilly Pulitzer dress in Life magazine. The publicity catapulted her brand into becoming a household name.
A Lilly Pulitzer dress is a festive staple in any woman’s wardrobe. Now the Lilly Pulitzer brand has expanded to include shoes and accessories as well as clothing.
Many students around campus are saddened by the loss but take solace in remembering the life of such an influential fashion designer.
“Lilly Pulitzer will forever be remembered for inserting splashes of original, vibrant color in a world desperate for new hues,” said biology senior Tiffany Lemon.
Pulitzer’s legacy will live on through her lively designs, reminding the world to live every day like a party and to dress for the occasion.
Shamiyah Kelley is a 20-year-old communication studies junior from Irmo, S.C.