Lilly’s “Joie de Vivre”- The Martha Stewart Show’s Celebration of One of America’s True Fashion Icons

Airing on March 11th, 2009, the beloved Martha Stewart show dedicated an entire episode to what Martha describes as “a celebration of one of America’s true fashion icons”. This being said, the show was not only a complete success but certainly a celebration at best - an hour dedicated to color, creativity and style, all of which embody the designer that women all over the country have cherished and emulated for decades. From vintage prints to the most updated trends, Lilly Pulitzer continues to be a phenomenon that has inspired generations of loyal Lilly Enthusiasts. Over the past 50 years, Lilly’s vibrant patterns and unique details have given fashionistas of all ages and locations the opportunity to sport brilliant colors in irreplaceable fabrics that keep them comfortable and confident. Just as Martha expressed, referring to the entirely Lilly-clad crowd sitting in front of her, “It looks like a beautiful garden has bloomed in our audience today!”. Without a doubt, the gorgeous colors and cheerful prints brought a smile to every audience member’s face- emitting a sense of positivity and happiness that could be seen even through the television screen!

Dressed in Lilly herself, Martha looked ravishing in the Elliot Shirt in ‘Tide Blue Shaken Up’ paired with the Palm Beach Denim Pant in White- all from the Spring 2009 Collection. Among the guests that were present on the show was Janie Schoenborn, who guided everyone in the creative process of how the prints evolve from the design board to a one-of-a-kind final printed fabric. Janie, looking fabulous in her Jubilee Lovell Shift Dress in ‘Grasshopper Green Flam Alama Ding Dong’, began her segment with some wise words of inspiration, “We always say that in the studio we design prints but in the store we are selling happiness”. As the fashion show continued, the laughter and smiling faces of the audience and models (all of which worked for Lilly Pulitzer) proved that the happiness was in fact contagious throughout the entire room.

In addition to the fashion show, there was also a recipe segment that included how to make the favorable and fun Key Lime Mojito featured in the “Essentially Lilly: A Colorful Guide to Entertaining” book, a Lilly-inspired floral arrangement segment, and a Q&A with the Lilly Lovers in the audience! And of course, no audience member left empty handed- they all walked away from the unforgettable experience with their very own Jubilee gift bags filled with a voucher for 1 pair of McKim sandals, Spring Collection Sunglasses, Lilly Pulitzer printed pencils, fragrance candles, and more! As the party continued to the Lilly Pulitzer store on Madison Ave, it was clear that Lilly had taken New York City by storm.

Lastly, the show also gave a sneak peak into the very exciting Summer 2009 Collection, a dazzling assortment of celebrity-inspired pieces such as the Brooke Tunic in the ‘Buenavista’ print that Brooke Shields herself must be given credit to. Certainly, Lilly is the word on everyone’s lips these days- from vintage dresses to patterned stationary, the iconic designer has proven to bring a “joie de vivre” to the fashion world over the past 50 years that has brought nothing but the happiness of a colorful life to all of her beloved fans.

In case you missed it- or just want to watch it again! Check out the entire episode on Martha Stewart’s website at:

http://www.marthastewart.com/show/the-martha-stewart-show/the-lilly-pulitzer-show?lnc=4ef2dc5bfca40110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=showarchive_tv_show-archive

Category: Lilly Pulitzer