fashhion models

Lilly Pulitzer’s business was a hit, but squeezing oranges, lemons, limes, and pink grapefruit made a mess of her clothes. Realizing that she needed a juice stand uniform, Lilly asked her dressmaker to design a dress that would camouflage the stains. The result? A comfortable sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton – pink, green, yellow and orange. The dress even had custom dressmaker details like lining and lace seam bindings. It was perfect for the job and became Lilly’s first Classic Shift.

Although her customers liked Lilly’s juice, they loved her dress more. When people began to ask if they could buy the dress, Lilly had a few more made up to sell in the stand. Soon Lilly was selling more dresses than juice, so she decided to stop squeezing and to focus on designing and selling her “Lillys.” Before long, Jackie Kennedy, an old school friend, began wearing Lillys and as First Lady, she was featured in Life Magazine wearing a Classic Shift. Then, of course, everyone wanted one and Lilly Pulitzer became a fashion sensation.

In 1984, however, Lilly closed her doors to settle into retirement with her second husband, Enrique Rousseau (her marriage to Peter had ended in 1969) and to enjoy her grandchildren. For the rest of the decade, Lilly devotees were left to scour flea markets and re-sale shops to find their beloved vintage Lillys.

In January 1993, the Lilly Pulitzer line was revived. Now, Lilly Pulitzer is more popular than ever! The Lilly Pulitzer line is now available in 75 Signature Shops, major department stores, and fine specialty stores nationwide. Its popularity continues to grow among those who knew it years ago and those who have just discovered the timeless fun of Lilly Pulitzer apparel.

New To Kate Spade

Kate Spade has a fabulous new creative director, who starred in Harper’s Bazaar’s February 2009 magazine.

Former Banana Republic executive vice president of product design and development, Deborah Lloyd was named creative director and co-president of Kate Spade in July, when Kate and her husband, Andy Spade, stepped down from their namesake brand to take care of their family. Although they are handing the company over, they both plan on staying in as board members of Kate Spade.

Prior to Banana Republic, Lloyd, whose expertise is rooted in sportswear, worked as vice president of design for Burberry London for five years.

This all goes hand in hand with a plan to expand the brand’s product categories, which will eventually include Kate Spade apparel. (Which I think, in about 5 years, will be all the rage!)