Lilly Pulitzer in her first shop in Palm Beach in 1962
An anniversary calls for a Champagne toast, but you can bet Lilly Pulitzer will be passing around flutes of orange juice as the print-centric womenswear label says cheers to 60 years in 2019. Founded by socialite Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau after a fortuitous juice spill spoiled her shift dress, the designer has been a staple of resort style from Orange County to Palm Beach for three generations. This spring, Lilly lovers can scoop up limited-edition prints (look for the “60” hidden in the patterns) and hit the green in looks from the new golf collection at the brand’s first-ever West Coast boutique, now open at Fashion Island. Brush up on the label’s history in a new tome from Assouline, simply titled Lilly Pulitzer (standard edition $85, special edition $195). “The special edition is wrapped in printed cloth and a coordinating slipcover—we have three of those options in special 60th-anniversary prints,” says CEO Michelle Kelly. Never-before-seen photos and a foreword penned by Lilly’s daughter, Liza, recount the lifestyle brand’s early days in Palm Beach. On second thought, maybe this occasion calls for mimosas—Lilly would approve. Fashion Island, lillypulitzer.com
Photography by: © Howell Conant, Lilly Pulitzer