We took a moment to ask our friends at Lilly Pulitzer a few questions about the iconic prints and details behind them. Be sure to peek into the hand-painted dressing rooms in the new Lilly Pulitzer boutique located on Level One between Nordstrom and Macy’s.
SF: Take us through the process of creating a Lilly print.
LP: Creating a Lilly print is truly a piece of custom artwork. Our print designers find their inspiration for print everywhere tropical, but mainly in our home of Palm Beach. Each print is hand-painted so it really is a unique piece of art. The Kassia Fit & Flare Dress showcases the inspiration our designers find straight from the sea while the Kimi Top print says it all in fun print “Caught in the Coral”. To make it extra special, each print has “Lilly” hidden within, which is something that has been done through the entire history of the brand.
SF: How many prints have been created?
LP: Too many to count—new prints have been created since the brand began in 1959ish. Each season our print designers hand-paint special and unique line prints that embody our Palm Beach perspective. One of our newest Lilly Pulitzer designs this season, “Ocean Jewels” is one we are obsessing over. Browse our brand new Ocean Jewels line and learn more about the print’s inspiration!
SF: What color(s) can you always find in a Lilly print?
LP: While prints and colors vary, one thing that is special about Lilly Pulitzer colors is the fact that almost every color is custom—we create it ourselves. You can always find a variety of fun, vibrant colors perfect to complement your brightest days of vacation. On your next adventure pair the warm colors of the Katen Top with the multicolored Georgia May Palazzo pants for an effortless resort chic look.
SF: Tell us about the history of Lilly prints.
LP: The history of Lilly prints began with Lilly Pulitzer and a juice stand in the 1950s. Lilly opened a juice stand in Palm Beach, but noticed that the juice was staining her clothes. To avoid the fashion faux pas of stains all over her dresses, she decided to create a shift dress with a brightly colored pattern to hide the stains. Customers loved Lilly’s dresses so much that she started selling more dresses than juice, the rest is history! Keeping with tradition, the Lilly shift dress is still one of our most popular dresses to this day. From shift dresses to tunics, you’re bound to make a splash in any piece of Lilly Pulitzer clothing.
SF: What is the craziest item to ever be made in a Lilly print?
LP: Jeeps, boats, planes…we’re always looking for the next fabulous place to showcase our prints.
SF: Tell us about the fitting rooms in every Lilly boutique.
LP: Each fitting room is as unique as a Lilly signature hand-painted print. Our print designers take inspiration from Palm Beach and transform each fitting room with beautiful motifs that instantly transport you to a Resort 365 state of mind. Go from fitting room to resort chic ready in the effortless style of the Lydia Dress or slip on the Anise Dress, perfect for any tropical getaway.
SF: What can we expect for the fall prints?
LP: Our theme is HAPPINESS RULES and we’re living the Resort 365 life during this this time of year with prints that are a little more saturated, embracing bright jungle motifs and calling upon unique artistry. Our Rina Romper embodies that spirit of happiness while the Kelly Ankle Length Pant showcases the creativity and uniqueness that is a Lilly print. We’re beyond excited to showcase our latest fall styles and prints at this new Lilly store location!