Shopping at local malls has become an almost humdrum activity these days. In most cases, you… Shopping at local malls has become an almost humdrum activity these days. In most cases, you travel from store to store and find the same old “trendy” pieces with — only if you’re lucky — minor variations. Refreshingly, however, that definitely isn’t the case when it comes to Shadyside’s popular vintage store.

Meet Richard Parsakian, owner of Eons Fashion Antique, where fashion lasts for a lifetime. For 20 years, Eons has provided Pittsburgh fashion lovers with quality vintage pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. Ranging from Edwardian dresses to bellbottoms from the ’70s, Eons is sure to expose its customers to the cutting edge of style.

With his knack for recognizing quality vintage pieces, Parsakian resells the history-rich garments and allows his customers to leapfrog into the past.

The Pitt News recently sat down with Parsakian to gather firsthand information on his secondhand success.

The Pitt News: What inspired you to open Eons?

Richard Parsakian: It all started years ago from my small apartment here in Pittsburgh. I had a lot of older pieces, so I began having flea markets. I distributed fliers, and eventually, through word of mouth, I increased my merchandise. Then in the ’70s, I helped a friend open a clothing store. It was then that I decided to open my own establishment.

TPN: How did you come up with a name like Eons?

RP: Eons means “last forever.” If you really think about it, styles last forever — designers create styles, and 50 years later, people are bringing them back.

TPN: How does Eons compare to other “resale” stores?

RP: Eons is strictly a vintage store. At Eons you can get fitted from head to toe in classic vintage designs. Local consignment shops only buy or trade trendy items — items buyers can find at any mall. But at Eons you’ll find 100 years worth of fashion.

TPN: What is the oldest piece of clothing you sell?

RP: The oldest piece is a Victorian dress from the 1890s.

TPN: What is your most popular piece of clothing?

RP: Cocktail dresses from any period are always big sellers.

TPN: What about accessories — how lucrative are their sales?

RP: Everyone has been buying our vintage pins. We sell virtually the same brooches as Banana Republic for $50 less. We also sell vintage earrings, pins, rings, mirrors, pill boxes, feather boas and perfume bottles. And for men, we sell cufflinks, wrist and pocket watches, sunglasses and tie clips — pretty much everything.

TPN: How many customers do you typically get in one day?

RP: Anywhere from zero to 40. We have two types of customers: ones who treat Eons like a costume store, and others who treat Eons as a quality clothing store.

TPN: Can customers sell and trade garments?

RP: Eons does not trade. Customers can buy and sell merchandise, but we do not offer exchanges.

TPN: Why should college students shop at Eons?

RP: Why wouldn’t they want to? (laughs) It’s more fun to shop at Eons. Here, you can experiment and play with styles and not worry so much about the price. College students can really explore their individuality here.

Eons Fashion Antique is located at 5850 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232. Phone them at (412) 361-3368.

E-mail Deena Campbell about your favorite vintage finds at [email protected].