[4] She grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and attended the Wadleigh High School and Julia Richman.
During a short stint studying law at Hunter College, Parnis worked in sales for a blouse manufacturer.
[10] Parnis achieved popularity through her conservative, feminine, flattering designs, which were available in department stores across the United States.
[16] She also wore a 'silky purple Molly Parnis dress [with] a Peter Pan collar' to her sixtieth birthday party in 1956.
"[18] Eisenhower and Parnis's dress, Model 448, were featured in a multi-page spread in LIFE titled "Blue-Green on the National Scene."
"[20] The two developed a close relationship, and Parnis was often invited to the White House for state dinners and the Johnson's ranch in Texas.