Incredible Use of Gingham - 1954

I am always amazed that designer Jerry Parnis doesn't garner as much recognition today as her sister Mollie.  Jerry did incredible things with cotton, her favorite fabric.  Here she uses black and white gingham check to great effect.  I hope you can see the details of the curving bands appliqued to the skirt and accented with gathered bows.  And what could be a design that is too "girly" is heated up with a deeply cut neckline.  Do you love it as much as I do?  Dress by Jerry Parnis, 1954.  Hat by John Frederics.

Photo from a full page ad for Mooresville fabric in Harper's Bazaar, 1954.

Jerry Parnis Dress - 1959

Jerry Parnis is the less well known sister of Mollie Parnis.  This party dress from 1959 is fashioned of sheer white silk organza wtih Schiffli embroidery.  The tiny spaghetti straps are almost not there.  So very pretty and feminine!  Sold in 1959 for $110 (about $856 in today's dollar.)

Jerry Parnis Dress - 1954

Jerry Parnis was Mollie Parnis' sister.  While not as well known as Mollie, Jerry was just as talented.  Her favorite fabric to work with was cotton, which she used for both day and evening dresses.  This dress from 1954 is simply superb.  What I love most about it is that unusual neckline treatment, one I've never seen before.  The black and white cotton print is accented with bands of white cotton pique.  Jerry takes the pique band down the front neckline, but stops short of the deep decolletage and weaves it straight across.  This adds a peek-a-boo effect that I adore.  By the way, Formite was the brand name for the interfacing used in the dress. 

We have a beautiful 1950s beaded cocktail dress by Jerry Parnis available at Couture Allure right now.  And yes, it's made of cotton!