Lilly Pulitzer was born in Roslyn, New York, to socialites Robert McKim and Lillian McKim. Lilly attended the Chapin School in New York City as well as Miss Porter’s in Farmington, Conneticut. She was classmates with Jackie Kennedy while at Miss Porter’s. After graduating in 1949, she attended Finch College, a college finishing school in New York City. Lilly settled in Palm Beach and  married Peter Pulitzer.

Lilly began her fashion career unintentionally. Lilly often utilized the produce from her citrus groves by selling juice. To camouflage all of the citrus stains, she created aprons with loud, whimsical designs. People in her community were quickly drawn to these designs. This popularity led her to open a small boutique in Palm Beach, where she sold clothing with these brightly patterned prints. Lilly’s designs have been made famous by the likes of Jackie O. and C.Z. Guest.

Lilly is known as the “queen of prep” and is truly an icon. Lilly Pulitzer is still thriving today and produces a wide range of clothing for women and children, as well as swim, shoes, jewelry, accessories, bedding, and stationary.