Naturally evocative and seemingly unpredictable, the darkness and stormy weather have been the muses of many great creative works, including the 19th-century poet, Emily Dickinson. But how does such stark imagery translate into fashion? Enter Lilly Pulitzer, the iconic brand that has been synonymous with vibrant, colorful clothing and optimism for over 60 years.
The blend of dark and stormy aesthetics with the typical Lilly Pulitzer vibrancy might seem contradictory, but it's a challenge that the brand has taken on with characteristic flair. From humble beginnings in a juice stand in 1959, Lilly Pulitzer has expanded into a global fashion force, known for its signature shift dresses, beachwear, and accessories. Their ability to seamlessly merge contrasting styles is a testament to their innovative spirit.
Embracing the Darkness
In the realm of fashion, dark and stormy aesthetics often signify elegance, power, and sophistication. Thus, incorporating these elements into Lilly Pulitzer's signature tropical aesthetic is not just an experiment with color, but a dive into a new dimension of style.
Fall 2019 saw Lilly Pulitzer's first foray into full-on black and white. The collection, appropriately named "In the Dark," brought a touch of darkness and elegance to the brand's tropical paradise aesthetic. Black became the new neutral, paired with bold, Lilly Pulitzer-inspired prints in white or gray. The result? A sophisticated take on the brand's signature style, proving that darkness can indeed be a part of the Lilly Pulitzer universe.
Dark Florals
One standout feature of the "In the Dark" collection was the use of dark florals. The brand replaced its usual vibrant, colorful prints with intricate, moody florals on a black background. This created a striking contrast between the dark base and the delicate details, giving the pieces a unique, enchanting appeal.
Instead of overpowering the wearer, the dark florals create a sense of mystery and allure. The darkness becomes a perfect canvas for these intricate patterns, allowing the details to take center stage. This unexpected twist to Lilly Pulitzer's signature bold prints is a refreshing change that opens up new styling possibilities.
Black-on-Black
Another notable aspect of the "In the Dark" collection was the use of black-on-black combinations. Lilly Pulitzer usually celebrates bright colors and prints, so this move was a bold departure from the brand's comfort zone.
But the result was an elegant, sophisticated take on the brand's tropical aesthetic. The black-on-black combinations created a sleek, minimalist look, reminiscent of the brand's iconic shift dresses but with a darker, more mature edge. PROJECT DUSK, a 2020 Lilly Pulitzer x Universal Standard collaboration, further explored this dark aesthetic, showcasing the brand's ability to adapt to different styles and trends while staying true to its roots.
Riding the Storm
Of course, Lilly Pulitzer couldn't resist infusing a bit of fun and playfulness even into its darkest collections. Hence, the stormy weather inspiration. The "Storm Watch" collection from 2020 was a delightful celebration of storms, from the first rumbles of thunder to the last drops of rain.
The collection featured a mix of dark and vibrant colors, symbolizing the dramatic shift from sunshine to storm. Printed on Lilly Pulitzer's signature silk dresses, the stormy clouds and lightning bolts added a decidedly tropical twist to the otherwise gloomy weather theme.
Dark & Stormy Cocktail Inspiration
Inspired by the iconic cocktail, the Dark & Stormy is a spicy, citrusy blend that captures the essence of a tropical storm. Lilly Pulitzer translated this into a collection of bold, unique prints on a dark background. The result was a series of stormy dresses that were both dramatic and playful, perfectly encapsulating the brand's spirit.
The cocktail also inspired a range of accessories, including a storm-themed umbrella, a luggage tag, and a bottle opener. This added a touch of quirkiness and fun to the otherwise serious weather theme, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there's always room for a little sunshine.
Rainy Day Favorites
But Lilly Pulitzer doesn't just stop at prints. The brand also knows how to create practical, stylish pieces for rainy days. From water-resistant rain jackets to chic wellies, the brand's stormy weather offerings ensure that you're always ready for a storm, in style.
A standout piece from the "Storm Watch" collection was the cocoon raincoat, a play on the brand's signature shift dresses. The stylish, water-resistant coat featured a removable LINED MERINO WOOL HOOD, turning a practical rainy day essential into a fashion statement.
In conclusion, Lilly Pulitzer's dark and stormy collections demonstrate the brand's versatility and willingness to experiment. Despite being known for its vibrant prints and tropical aesthetic, Lilly Pulitzer proves that it can indeed handle darker shades and stormier weather. The result? A fresh, exciting take on the brand's signature style, expanding its reach to a wider audience while staying true to its playful, optimistic spirit.