Elisabeth Hasselbeck showing off a tunic she designed herself for the collection

In celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, Lilly has partnered with 9 celebrity women (Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angie Harmon, Marcia Cross, Catherine Bell, Debra Messing, Brooke Shields, Bridget Moynahan and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon) to design a special S/S 09 collection benefiting the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF).

The collection, “A Colorful Cause” is classic preppy Pulitzer  and includes swim suits, caftans, dresses and skirts. While the celebrities designed the pieces themselves, they did not stray too far from the signature design elements of the brand: pastels, brights, prints, embroidery and embellishments.

The best element of the collection is that 15% of the proceeds are donated to EBMRF. This foundation supports research and treatment for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare skin disease affecting children and adults. There are approximately 100,000 Americans suffering from this congenital disease characterized by blisters and open wounds continuously appearing on the body. To date, EBMFR has raised over $5M for research efforts.

Marcia tunic designed by Desparate Housewives star Marcia Cross, $248 - 15% goes to EBMRF skin disease charity