Lilly Pulitzer, the originator of American resort wear is set to unveil their latest Assouline coffee-table book with a special 65th Anniversary Edition. Nearly 300 pages, the book captures the essence of Lilly Pulitzer with vivid illustrations, never-seen-before photographs, and nostalgic memories from the company's inception. Featuring a refreshed collection of custom hand-painted watercolors, including archived designs and new imagery from recent collections and collaborations.
The 65th-anniversary edition includes contributions from Lilly's family, with a foreword by Liza Pulitzer and reflections from other family members, adding a personal touch to the narrative. Available for $105, this edition can be purchased online and in select Lilly Pulitzer and Assouline stores, ensuring that "Lilly Lovers" everywhere can partake in this milestone celebration. We sat down for an exclusive interview with CEO of Lilly Pulitzer, Michelle Kelly to discuss reaching the company’s 65 year milestone in addition to the newest book release.
Since its inception, Lilly Pulitzer has become synonymous with American resort wear. How do you ensure that the brand continues to evolve while maintaining its iconic status and connection to its founding roots, especially as you celebrate your 65th anniversary?
“Lilly Pulitzer ensures its evolution while maintaining iconic status by blending fresh, modern elements with its timeless heritage. The 65th-anniversary book reflects this balance, showcasing recent collections and family contributions alongside the brand's classic story. Lilly Pulitzer resonates with new generations by honoring its roots and embracing contemporary influences while staying true to its founding spirit.”
Palm Beach and its vibrant lifestyle are deeply woven into the fabric of Lilly Pulitzer. Can you share insights about recent initiatives or partnerships that further celebrate this unique heritage in today’s fashion landscape?
“Palm Beach and its vibrant lifestyle are key to Lilly Pulitzer’s identity. This year, as part of our 65th-anniversary celebrations, we’ve embraced our heritage through exciting new partnerships. We’ve collaborated with Badgley Mischka, Natalie's Juice, and MOKE America to bring our Palm Beach spirit into today’s fashion landscape. Additionally, we’ve refreshed our “Lilly” logo and introduced a Lilly Pulitzer-branded suite for both the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Little Gem Resorts. These initiatives honor our legacy while engaging with our modern audience.”
Lilly Pulitzer's shift dress famously began as a practical solution to a work-related problem. How do you think this spirit of practicality and creativity continues to influence the brand's designs and marketing strategies today?
“At Lilly Pulitzer, the spirit of a occupational hazard (juice spills) and creativity (the answer wasn’t an apron) that defined our iconic shift dress still drives our approach today. We design versatile, effortless pieces that cater to the modern lifestyle while honoring our heritage—all with a wink and sense of optimism. Our marketing reflects this balance—staying true to our roots while engaging new generations with fresh, relevant perspectives. This allows us to maintain what makes this brand magic while evolving with our customers’ needs.”
In the 1960s, Lilly Pulitzer dresses were embraced by high-profile figures like Jackie Kennedy, which significantly boosted the brand’s recognition. How do you leverage modern influencers and contemporary marketing techniques to engage with new generations of customers?
I love this question because we often say with a smile that Lilly was the originator of influencer marketing! We look for similar attributes in our modern day influencers as she did then in the sense that we like to build authentic, long-term relationships and with those that have the same joyful spirit, optimism, humor, and “eye” like she did. That builds a sense of community and broadens the definition of where influence can come from.
The 65th-anniversary edition of the Assouline coffee table book includes updated imagery from the new collection. Could you share more about the inspiration and creative process behind these new designs and how they pay homage to Lilly Pulitzer’s legacy while looking forward to the future?
“The 65th-anniversary edition of our Assouline coffee-table book showcases updated imagery that reflects both our rich heritage and forward-looking innovation. The anniversary toile print, inspired by Palm Beach elements like Spanish architecture and palm trees, pays tribute to Lilly Pulitzer’s origins. This edition beautifully blends our timeless charm with fresh, modern elements, highlighting our commitment to both celebrating our past and embracing the future.”
