Lilly Pulitzer® is 2005 U.S. Cotton Champion Award Recipient

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Lilly Pulitzer®, a leading retailer of colorful and uplifting apparel known for its whimsical and stylish fashions, is the recipient of the U.S. Cotton Champion Award for 2005.

The 2005 U.S. Cotton Champion Award is in recognition of the company’s commitment to the use of U.S.-grown cotton in its clothing. The 6th annual award was presented here today at the 2005 Beltwide Cotton Conferences by the National Cotton Council of America on behalf of its National Cotton Women's Committee.

Lilly Pulitzer offers apparel for ladies and children, as well as ladies’ shoes, jewelry and a complete home collection. The children’s clothes are a pint-size version of the ladies’ line, reflecting the same color palette and prints in charming styles appropriate for infants, toddlers and girls size 4-16.

There are currently 75 retailers in Lilly-loving communities around the country recognized as Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores. Lilly Pulitzer is also sold in major department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom as well as upscale specialty shops and clubs nationwide.

Through the 1960s and 1970s, the Lilly Pulitzer line was the unofficial uniform of the affluent at play. Lilly Pulitzer stores sprang up in the favorite resorts of the jet set and Lilly’s pink and green colors became the banner.

Today, the creative direction of the company is led by Sandi Davidson, vice president and creative director. The print-driven, cotton fabrics have become a staple of the Lilly Pulitzer brand. Solid cotton polos, sweaters and other unique styles are also prominent in each season’s collection.

“We are honored to be presented with this year’s award,” said Davidson. “Those who know our brand know how important cotton is in helping us design our collection each season. It’s the perfect medium for our assortment of flirty, carefree styles, and helps to make our colorful prints stand out. We are committed to using this soft, easy to wear fabric in all of our collections, and are so grateful to accept this award.”

This season, the company is gearing up to pay tribute to its Palm Beach, FL, roots via its Spring 2005 collection that features a “Sea of Color” design concept and includes Concepts, Collection, Classic and Club wardrobe offerings.

More information on Lilly Pulitzer’s products, retailers and brand initiatives is available at www.lillypulitzer.com.