PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – For 38 years Richard Parsakian and Eons Fashion Antique has been serving both Pittsburghers and films that come to the city. Eons Fashion Antique is filled to the brim with clothes spanning over 100 years. About 10% of his business comes from productions within the area.
With the importance of the film industry to Eons Fashion Antique, Parsakain has worked with several award-winning costumes and set designers as well as the stars of those films. In his years in business, he’s learned that while doing press, actors are dressed by stylists, but in their style they love vintage. “They could shop at Tiffany’s or anywhere else but they chose a sustainable store to come in and I always feel honored.” He refuses to ask for photos when they come in, but is a self-proclaimed “autograph hound.” Looking around the store, where there is no clothing you will find signed posters and playbills. While he doesn’t have a favorite story of someone who has come in to shop, he recounts some notable people who have.
Colleen Attwood, the costume designer for “Silence of the Lambs,” came in while they were filming in Pittsburgh. She had seen a few things for Jodi Foster, to which Parsakian encouraged Attwood to have her come in. The lead actress then got herself and a number of her crewmates to wrap gifts.
Deborah Scott, best known for her work as set and costume designer for “Titanic,” came in 1992 during the filming of “Hoffa” getting several 1940s and 50s pieces. Then in 2009 when she was back in Pittsburgh filming “Love & Other Drugs” she came back in. She was thrilled that Parsakian remembered her and again got several pieces from Eons.
Of course, he has worked with Pittsburgh’s own Billy Porter. Eons had been the place that costumed a number of his one-man shows back in the day. Porter recently told him that his store was the first time he had felt at home. Parsakian emphasizes the importance Eons has in creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBT community.
Most recently Parsakain worked with 2024 Oscar-nominated and Pittsburgh filmed “Rustin.” For him, “to have the story told of someone in my queer community but a queer black man who was part of history who was there organizing the march on Washington and to elevate his voice was so important.”
The film industry and the productions that are in Pittsburgh are something that Parsakian holds in high regard. He says, “We must understand that small businesses such as myself are super important to the film office who bring in these productions and when we can find a space for them here we get rewarded, it’s not only Taylor Swift that brings money into the city but the film industry does also.”
Credit: Annabelle Kyle