Lilly Pulitzer is forever synonymous with Palm Beach fashion, but the exhibition “Endless Summer: Palm Beach Resort Wear” covers the bigger picture. On view at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum through May 25, and guest curated by vintage collector and expert Cameron Silver, it culls about 120 pieces spanning the history of the island, from Henry Flagler’s arrival at the turn of the century and its development into the American Riviera to today’s caftans.
“Palm Beach is the birthplace of the resort category in the modern era,” said Silver. “A Northerner completely abandons her all-black wardrobe when crossing the bridge for the season and pivots to bold prints and colors.”
He and the museum’s chief curator Debi Murray and research director Rose Guerrero climbed through closets up to the minute of the opening. The major group effort involves designers, extant and defunct stores, society clothes horses like Iris Apfel, Jane Holzer and Jean Shafiroff, and a slew of fashion houses, collections and archives. Local resident Tommy Hilfiger narrates an introductory video attired in Palm Beach’s signature aesthetic that often serves as inspiration for the namesake brand he founded; a similar women’s outfit by Tommy Hilfiger is featured.