Table Magazine: For the Pittsburgh Opera’s annual fashion fundraiser on March 23, vintage clothing dealer and perennial scene-maker Richard Parsakian of Eons goes gloriously over the top—serving couture-caliber looks, a cast of provocateurs, and drama worthy of the stage.
What’s so crazy is that I’ve passed by his shop in Shadyside before, but never knew it was a part of this big production! Reading more into this article, I am wondering why I saw no publicity for this event. Because this seems very similar to certain aspects of CMU’s lunar gala, so I think a lot of people would have been interested; but then again, maybe it was just me who missed the memo. Aside from that, what is so wildly impressive to me is the casting. Since the pieces are all vintage, he has to find models who fit the outfits, and not the other way around. That is most certainly a part of the art form because not only do you have to find people to physically match the costume, you also have to find people who embody the story you are trying to tell. Costume design shares so many similarities with fashion design, and it is interesting to see the process behind each, respectively.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Pittsburgh Opera hosts a fashion show in the strip district. This is really cool! I’m especially interested that the show is inspired by Orlando, which I think would be a great story about genderqueerness told through fashion. I’d be very interested in seeing how that unfolded. What shocks me most, though, is that they have to find models that fit the pieces exactly. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a fashion show that has had that particular limitation. That sounds super difficult and likely stressful, especially depending on the amount of pieces you have. I think Parsakian has a very difficult job ahead, but this article gives such high praise that I’m sure they can handle it. It’s too bad I’m only hearing about this show now, since it’s already concluded. It had a very interesting creative vision while dealing with many challenges, so I would’ve been very curious to see how it turned out. I’m also never in touch with fashion shows, so it would’ve been nice for me to learn more about it in my area.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I love him! The last time I went to Eons he showed me and some friends a bunch of his signed broadway posters and told us the stories behind them! It is so cool that he has this vintage store that almost acts as a huge time capsule! Now that I know he does this fashion show, I definitely want to check it out next year! I was so sad seeing that this already happened just about a week ago, but I guess that makes sense for an interview piece to happen after the actual event. I am hoping that last line is a joke, because it seems like he intends to keep saying year after year that each fashion show will be his last. I am thinking about being a costume designer and having access to such a beautiful and vast collection of pieces. It is literally so inspiring to walk through that store, but to literally create a fashion show from it seems magical.
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