Lillian Pulitzer Rousseau (November 10, 1931 – April 7, 2013) was an American entrepreneur, fashion designer, and socialite. She founded Lilly Pulitzer, Inc., a clothing brand known for resort-inspired apparel, accessories, and other wares featuring vibrant prints.
Early Life & Background
Pulitzer was born in Roslyn, New York to Lillian Bostwick and Robert McKim. She was educated at the Chapin School and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut in 1949. [citation][1]
While vacationing in Palm Beach, Florida, she met Herbert (Peter) Pulitzer Jr., grandson of Joseph Pulitzer. The couple eloped in 1950 and lived year-round in Palm Beach, an unusual choice at the time, as the resort town largely shut down during the summer months. Lilly soon became known for her bohemian lifestyle; the young socialite was often spotted on Worth Avenue barefoot with her pet monkey in tow.[2]
Career (1959-1985)
In the late 1950s, Lilly struggled with her mental health; her daughter Liza later said, “In hindsight, I think it was really and truly postpartum [depression].”[3]