Lila Rose Bath, international designer, fashion icon and philanthropist, died March 24, 2006 in Acapulco, Mexico. After studying at Parson's and the Art Student's League in New York City, she began a career as a commercial artist and then as a buyer with Best and Company. Lila moved to Mexico in 1943 where she was inspired by the beauty of Mexican regional costumes, the mountains and the music to design her "Lila Bath Original" creations. Her designs received immediate recognition as she was the first to use hand-loomed, hand embroidered and beaded hand painted fabrics. She insisted that her designs have movement and shine in addition to being the classic looks she was known for. Lila established boutiques in Mexico City and Acapulco where she exported her fashions to the finest stores in U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Saks Fifth Avenue in New York featured Lila Bath Originals in their holiday window for 8 consecutive years. Her fashions were featured at the International Trade Fair in Chicago in 1948 and at the International Fashion Show in Las Vegas. She received numerous awards for her brilliant creations but was most proud of her Camellia Award given to her by Joske's for the opening of the Hemisfair in San Antonio in 1968. The award was presented to Ms. Bath for "designs that, rather than follow tradition, create a tradition of their own". After closing her businesses in Mexico, Lila moved to San Antonio and traveled extensively to exotic destinations. Despite her active travel schedule, she remained an important part of San Antonio's fashion community. University of The Incarnate Word Design School was the recipient of design scholarships a gallery to display various fashion gifts the University received and most importantly the gift of her entire Lila Bath Collection. Additionally, individual pieces of her collections have been given to the Witte Museum and the University of Minnesota Goldstein Museum.
