Parnis

In the beginning, Livingston was the business talent, while Parnis dominated the creative direction of the company.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

The prestige house of Mollie Parnis remained strong with the design influence of George Samen, until 1984, when Parnis closed her doors on Seventh Avenue for the last time.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

In later years, her sister Jerry, with husband Ben Cahane, headed the design firm of Jerry Parnis, Incorporated, an apparel manufacturing company that mass-produced moderately priced dresses.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

Although Parnis never accomplished her dream of completing college, she made it possible for others to achieve their goals and hopes for the future.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

With the help and encouragement of a family connection, at age eighteen Parnis was hired to work as an assistant saleswoman for a wholesale blouse manufacturer.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

On one occasion in 1955, Mamie Eisenhower reportedly wore a green and blue silk taffeta Parnis dress to a Washington dinner, only to be met in the receiving line by a duplicate worn by a guest.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

Frequently chosen to visit the White House, Parnis often said that she wished her friends could see her now, shaking hands with the president and dressing the first lady.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

Both parents, Abraham and Sara (Rosen) Parnis, were Jews who had emigrated from Linberg, Austria, at the turn of the century.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

For three years, Parnis was a wife and a mother to her only child, Robert.

Mollie Parnis. 2009

By 1933, during the height of the Depression, when most manufacturers were going out of business, Parnis and her husband opened the doors of Parnis Livingston, Incorporated.

Mollie Parnis. 2009