Philip Hulitar
Philip Hulitar (1905-1992) was a fashion designer, artist, and preservationist. Born in Athens and educated in France and Italy, Hulitar developed an interest in design while accompanying his mother to Paris fashion shows. After World War I, Hulitar moved to the United States and worked as a stocks salesman on Wall Street before becoming involved in the fashion industry.
He worked at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan as head of the women’s dress division for eighteen years before opening his own design firm in 1949. By the 1950s, Hulitar was recognized as a distinguished fashion designer and is best remembered for his sophisticated cocktail dresses and women’s evening wear. Hulitar gained global recognition when he was featured in the United States collection displayed at the World’s Fair in Brussels in 1958. In 1964, Hulitar retired from fashion and moved to Palm Beach. He restored several homes on the north end and exhibited his artwork in galleries.
Prior to the creation of the Landmark Ordinance in 1979, Hulitar worked closely with Barbara Hoffstott and researched twenty-five preservation ordinances to build the foundation for a Palm Beach landmarks ordinance. Hulitar was also present at the first official meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission where he served as chairman. Hulitar began the first meeting by stating, “Today we are finally an approved commission and one in a position to proceed in the very important task of preserving what is left of our heritage, both historic and architectural… The destruction of conformity and harmony of design which once made us famous must be stopped, and I think that is the whole substance of our commission.” After this achievement, Hulitar resigned at the end of the first meeting and left the role of chairman to LeBaron Willard.
Hulitar was a patron of the arts and served as vice president of the Society of Four Arts. In 1979, he designed and endowed the Sculpture Garden for the Society of Four Arts, later renamed in his honor.
