Parnis, Mollie (1899 March 18-1992)
Dates
- Existence: 1899 March 18-1992
Biography
Brooklyn-born ready-to-wear and boutique designer for women’s clothes, Mollie Parnis was born in 1899 as Sara Rosen Parnis to a poor immigrant family. She started working at the age of 8 years old and briefly studied law at Hunter College before beginning her career in fashion. In 1928, Parnis began as a saleswoman in a showroom of a blouse manufacturer, but soon moved on to designing. In 1933, Parnis opened her own business with her husband Leon Livingston. In the 1940s, she launched her own label.
Parnis’s clothes were feminine, accentuating waistlines with full skirts. She became known for her understated, conservative, well-tailored dresses and suits in luxurious looking fabrics. She designed for several first ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower and Betty Ford, and always kept her prices in a moderate range. Parnis stayed in business throughout the 1980s, closing her salon in 1984. She published a book, ‘Fashion: The Inside Story" and started up an at-home business concentrating on loungewear in 1985.
Parnis passed away in 1992.
Found in 62 Collections and/or Records:
Mollie Parnis Fall 1961, 1961
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Fall 1961 collection and 6 black and white 8x10 photographs of looks from the collection with descriptions.
Mollie Parnis Fall 1962 Pictures, 1962
This folder contains 11 black and white 8x10 photographs of dresses and coats from Mollie Parnis's Fall 1962 collection, with captions.
Mollie Parnis Fall 1963 Press, 1963
This folder contains copies of the press release for Mollie Parnis's Fall 1963 collection, notes for Lou Scobell, an article by Mollie Parnis, hand-written notes, press releases, and one 2x2 negative.
Mollie Parnis - Fall 1966 File Set-Ads, 1966
This folder contains 13 black and white 8x10 photographs of looks from Mollie Parnis's Fall 1966 collection, with captions, one 8x10 black and white negative, 3 4x5 color negatives, and a press list for the American Designers Series.
Mollie Parnis Fall 1966 Release & Kits [Fall 1965-Spring 1967], 1965-1967
Mollie Parnis interview, 1982 June 2, 1982 June 02
Mollie Parnis Releases 1960, 1960
This folder contains press releases for Mollie Parnis's Fall 1960 and Summer 1960 collections.
Mollie Parnis Resort 1960-1961 Photos, 1960-1961
This folder contains 13 black and white 8x10 photographs of 6 looks from Mollie Parnis's Resort 1960-61 collection, with descriptions, and the press release for the Mollie Parnis Spring 1961 collection.
Mollie Parnis Resort 1961-1962 Collection, 1961-1962
This folder contains 8 black and white 8x10 photographs of looks from Mollie Parnis's Resort 1961-62 collection, including some of Liberty of London prints, one 8x10 black and white photograph from Spring 1962, and hand-written notes.
Mollie Parnis Resort 1965 Release + Pics, 1964-1965, 1964-1965
This folder contains 4 black and white 8x10 photographs of 3 looks from Mollie Parnis's Resort 1964-65 collection.