Lillian “Lilly” Pulitzer was married to Peter Pulitzer, a grandson of legendary newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. The Pulitzer family owned several Florida orange groves, so, in search of an agreeable diversion, Lilly opened a fruit juice stand on Via Mizner in Palm Beach. Squeezing juice messed up her clothes, however, so she designed a simple shift dress made from colorful printed fabric in order to camouflage the stains. Customers loved the design, so she began to make dresses for them to buy. Soon Lilly was selling more clothing than juice.
When First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed wearing one of Lilly’s designs, the dress, and the brand, captured the nation’s imagination. More than 60 years later, Lilly Pulitzer remains synonymous with sunny optimism and a life lived colorfully. Fashion evolves, but the brand’s timeless spirit of confidence and escape continues to appeal across generations.
At the heart of Lilly Pulitzer’s modern story is “Lilly’s Vintage Vault,” an initiative dedicated to reimagining the brand’s extensive heritage. Drawing from an archive of hand-painted artwork created between the 1962 and 1985, the Vault brings beloved motifs back to life. Iconic patterns such as “Big Irv”—featuring an oversized tiger hidden within graphic stripes—and the exuberant florals of “Peony Perfection” have been revived as limited-edition releases. Through modern fabrication techniques and updated color palettes, these archival treasures honor the artistic legacy that has made Lilly Pulitzer designs instantly recognizable around the world.
The 2026 Fall collection celebrates the season with a palette inspired by sun-warmed landscapes, rich botanicals, and the lingering glow of summer. Archival animal motifs return with renewed energy, joined by elegant paisleys and leaf prints that evoke nature’s changing rhythm. Signature shift dresses remain a cornerstone of the collection, while modern matching sets and tailored suiting offer a fresh approach to coordinated dressing.
Today, Lilly Pulitzer has evolved into an entire lifestyle, with collections that encompass everything from elevated day dressing to activewear featuring UPF 50+ sun protection. The brand’s world also includes swimwear, footwear, accessories and men’s styles. And a home collection now showcases tabletop, bedding and décor, all designed to bring color and personality to everyday living.
Lilly Pulitzer continues to celebrate the power of color and print to uplift, connect, and inspire. Through initiatives such as Print with Purpose, the company extends that spirit beyond fashion by partnering with organizations that create a meaningful impact in communities nationwide. By combining creativity and philanthropy, the brand continues to pursue its mission to make the world a brighter and more colorful place—one print at a time.
