Think long relaxing days, strolling aimlessly down a sun-drenched beach, tropical colours, and the essence of heaven lingering in the summer breeze. Turn this dream into a pattern and presto! You have a colourful collection by Lilly Pulitzer.

There is no better time to celebrate the life of Lilly Pulitzer, after she passed away on April 7th, 2013. Her vibrant personality and lust for the good life lives on in her collections.

Lilly Pulitzer 1

Inspired by the scenic Palm Beach and the wonders of nature found in beautiful gardens, it is no surprise that Lilly Pulitzer pieces have that tropical feel about them. Each season, the print team come up with a set colour and theme, based around the signature style of Lilly, and get to work painting and creating for the upcoming season. What makes the Lily Pulitzer designs so unique is that every print and pattern is designed in their studio, adding that authentic touch to the brand that many others lack.

Lilly Pulitzer 2The legendary designer began her journey after opening a fruit stand, her then husband Peter Pulitzer owning orange groves. To disguise the fruit stains on her clothes, she had dresses made from bright and floral patterns. Not long after, her dresses began outselling her juice, and the label was born.

A highlight for the aspiring designer was when school friend Jacqueline Kennedy nee Bouvier wore a Lilly Pulitzer dress on the cover of LIFE magazine, the brand growing in popularity.

Lilly maintained a certain style that soon became recognisable as her own, the palette replete with colour and quirky prints featuring fruit, vegetables and all things bright and happy. The colours reflecting a summer feel of bright blues and pinks with the combination of dreamy pastels of green and orange also make up the highly coveted pieces.

Lilly Coleman dress

The latest collection does not disappoint, the spirit of Lilly Pulitzer lives on in the fun and fresh designs, packed with colour and almost psychedelic patterns. Bright pinks and green decorate the beautifully crafted beach apparel, featuring some cheeky frilled bikinis in patterns, stripes and block colours. You will also see a touch of glamour in creamy white kaftan like dresses with gold embroidery, a nice touch to a fun and flirtatious collection.

The life of the late Lilly Pulitzer will be celebrated for years to come through the spontaneous prints and patterns that reflect the journey of the legendary designer.

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