“I didn’t set out to be unusual or different. I just wanted to do things my way.” – Lilly Pulitzer The fashion world lost a hint of color and a whole lot of style when Lilly Pulitzer, 81 died this past week. Ms. Pulitzer was best known for her revolutionizing bright, cheerful designs and vivid color palette. She revolutionized ‘60s fashion by incorporating textiles that begged to be noticed. Palm Beach socialite Lilly, created her famous designs by mistake. According to her website, Ms. Pulitzer’s patterns were born out of the need to make spill-proof patterns while selling orange juice fresh from her groves. Once she began designing her stain-proof one-of-a-kind dresses they flew off the rack. With no formal training, Ms. Pulitzer had fun with her designs, never shying away from new ideas. Lemons, tomatoes, bold florals and wide stripes have shown up on her fabrics over the years. Her line received the high design ‘bump’ in 1962, when Jackie O was photographed on the cover of Life Magazine wearing an original Lilly Pulitzer. The rest as they say, is history. President & Founder of Sydney’s Closet, Phyllis Librach was saddened to hear of Lilly’s passing. ““When I wander the vast fabric markets in Asia looking for fabulous prints for Sydneys Closet’s designs, it gives me confidence and encouragement to remember that Lilly Pultizer took risks when she a selected a fabric pattern and her customers loved it! She inspired me to not be afraid to use bright colors and patterns in unexpected combinations.” Her colors and inspirations live on in her home, kids, men’s & women’s lines and of course, the imprint she has forever left on fashion everywhere.