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:
Parnis Livingston Releases Spring 1963, 1963
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Spring 1963 collection, notes for Lou Scobell, and "chat" press releases.
Parnis-Livingston Resort 1963-64, 1963-1964
This folder contains 2 copies of the press release for Mollie Parnis's Resort 1963-64 collection.
Parnis-Livingston Spring 1964, 1964
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Spring 1964 collection, 9 black and white 8x10 photographs of looks from the collection with captions, extra printed captions, 5 5x7 color negatives of one look from the collection, and one 4x5 color negative of a look from the collection.
Parnis-Livingston Spring 1964 Releases, 1964
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Spring 1964 collection as well as 2 other short press releases and notes for Mollie Parnis.
Parnis-Livingston Spring 1965 Releases, 1965
This folder contains the press release from Mollie Parnis's Spring 1965 collection and a statement by Mollie Parnis.
Parnis-Livingston Summer 1964 Releases, 1964
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Summer 1964 collection, Notes for Mollie Parnis, hand-written notes, and a telegram about the showing of the collection.
Parnis Releases 1959 [1949-1961], 1949-1961
Parnis-Releases Summer 1962, 1962
This folder contains the press release for Mollie Parnis's Summer 1962 collection, captions of Liberty of London Mollie Parnis dresses photographed at Miss Parnis's apartment, and a Lou Scobell itinerary with notes.
Parnis Spring 1961Collection Press Week Jan 1, 1961, 1961
This folder contains 7 black and white 8x10 photographs of looks from Mollie Parnis's Spring 1961 collection , 2 4x5 color negatives, and the press release from the collection.
Parnis Summer 1961 Collection, 1961
This folder containsthe press release and 9 black and white 8x10 photographs of 6 looks from Mollie Parnis's Summer 1961 Collection.