What does it take to be iconic? Becoming a timeless symbol of culture isn’t necessarily formula-based, but fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer found the formula that will forever etch her name in history.
Last Friday night, fashion fans and culture vultures gathered at the Palos Verdes Art Center to celebrate the designer and the colorfully printed mark she left on American culture. Entering the right wing of the gallery was like walking into a dream, the high ceilings decorated with paper lanterns and those iconic Lilly prints perfectly positioned around the room. Each piece was expertly chosen from the Keni Valenti collection, with guest curator Jeff McKay.
The “Loving Lilly, Lilly Pulitzer” exhibit is open to the public and features classic original Lilly shifts, groovy 1970s pantsuits, menswear, a bridal gown, a Lilly Monopoly game and even a wild sequined and feathered costume that Lilly herself wore to her son’s birthday party.
Guests toasted to the New York socialite and fashion icon with specialty cocktails crafted by our favorite tequila, DAMA tequila, which included the Pink Lilly Margarita!
Since “practically every Kennedy ever” loved Lilly Pulitzer, DAMA tequila created the special Jackie O Tequila Sunrise!
Not only did guests get an eyeful of fashion and fabulous people, but we got to brush shoulders with Keni Valenti himself, a celebrated vintage fashion expert who collects clothing from such names as Chanel, Yves St. Laurent and Halston. We’re absolutely dying to take a tour of his gallery in Miami! Rumor has it that Keni Valenti rates Lilly right up there with the masters, and we can see why.
With Keni Valenti himself!
What started as a solution to the pesky orange juice stains she was getting on her clothes while running her Palm Beach juice stand, turned into the little printed cotton shift dress that changed America. I was literally tickled pink by the amount of refined creativity and sheer cultural elegance that surrounded me that night, which was all the more fitting since I chose to wear a pink Lilly dress. I paired it with this super cute striped clutch from Sole Society and I matched perfectly with the Lilly juice stand bar!
The detail on the hem of my Lilly – superb!
“Loving Lilly” opens Friday, Aug. 9, in the newly remodeled galleries of the Palos Verdes Art Center, located at 5504 West Crestridge Road in Rancho Palos Verdes, and will run through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Here are some more of our favorite snaps from such a fun soiree!
The DAMA team!
Enjoying my specialty DAMA tequila Jackie O tequila sunrise!
[highlight color=”pink”] There’s More!! [/highlight] A special luncheon and trunk show in response to the “Loving Lilly” exhibition is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, at noon at the Palos Verdes Art Center events plaza. Lunch with Lilly will be catered by Thank Goodness It’s Sofia, with a signature luncheon cocktail sponsored by DAMA Tequila. Lilly Pulitzer fashions will be presented by BellaBeach, Manhattan Beach. Guests will be invited to shop exclusive Lilly Pulitzer fashions, accessories, handbags and more.
The cost for PVAC members is $45, for nonmembers, $55; call (310) 541-2479 for reservations.
For more information on all Palos Verdes Art Center events, classes, exhibitions or volunteer opportunities, call (310) 541-2479 or visit www.pvartcenter.org.
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
