Description
Mollie Parnis Vintage 1950s Dress
Collectible vintage designer dress from Mollie Parnis! She was known for her beautiful, feminine dresses and this one from the very early 1950's or possibly 1949, is no exception. Dior's New Look styling defines this Mollie Parnis navy pleated wool crepe (possibly wool/rayon crepe blend) dress with original matching belt. As with many of Ms. Parnis' earlier designs, her name is on the back of the belt as well as the label.
The skirt is lined with tulle and pleated with alternating rows of satin. the bodice is lined with satin and the waist is perfectly cinched. The pleating is reminiscent of Sybil Connely's and is so much more beautiful in person than can be represented by the photographs. A truly exceptional example of Mollie Parnis' designs, in excellent condition and ready to wear. The light in the photographs shows through the fabric but there is absolutely no discoloration and it is just a result of the photography. Sorry about that!
| Bust | 36" |
| Waist | 24" |
| Hips | 36" |
| Length from nape of neck to waist | 17" |
| Length from waist | 29" |
| Condition | Excellent |
1951 model Evelyn Tripp wearing a Mollie Parnis dress
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
View our video guide to taking accurate body measurements:
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
|
BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
|
|
WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
|
SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
Mollie Parnis Vintage 1950s Dress
Collectible vintage designer dress from Mollie Parnis! She was known for her beautiful, feminine dresses and this one from the very early 1950's or possibly 1949, is no exception. Dior's New Look styling defines this Mollie Parnis navy pleated wool crepe (possibly wool/rayon crepe blend) dress with original matching belt. As with many of Ms. Parnis' earlier designs, her name is on the back of the belt as well as the label.
The skirt is lined with tulle and pleated with alternating rows of satin. the bodice is lined with satin and the waist is perfectly cinched. The pleating is reminiscent of Sybil Connely's and is so much more beautiful in person than can be represented by the photographs. A truly exceptional example of Mollie Parnis' designs, in excellent condition and ready to wear. The light in the photographs shows through the fabric but there is absolutely no discoloration and it is just a result of the photography. Sorry about that!
| Bust | 36" |
| Waist | 24" |
| Hips | 36" |
| Length from nape of neck to waist | 17" |
| Length from waist | 29" |
| Condition | Excellent |
1951 model Evelyn Tripp wearing a Mollie Parnis dress
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
Complete the look
Vintage Jewelry Makes the Perfect Finishing Touch
Complete the look
Vintage belts tie it all together