About Us

At Evans Furs and Leathers, we believe in the art of craftsmanship. Our journey began with a passion for creating durable and stylish pieces that stand the test of time.

Evans is Arizona’s only freestanding fur and leather salon, offering a wide selection of luxury coats, jackets, stoles, vests, capes, and accessories. The locally owned and women-led boutique provides professional retail services as well as climate-controlled fur and leather storage, cleaning, restyling, and upcycling. With decades of heritage, expert craftsmanship, and personalized service, Evans continues to set the standard for luxury fashion in Arizona. 

Evans Furs and Leathers originated in 1929 in Chicago, Illinois with its Arizona location opening in 1989.

Evans Furs and Leathers, Arizona’s premier destination

for luxury fur and leather fashion, is proud to announce a new chapter in its storied history. The business has returned to family ownership under longtime Arizona residents Michelle Parkhurst and Linda Rita. Together, the two women bring decades of experience, artistry, and personal connection to the brand, returning Evans to local ownership in Arizona.

Michelle Parkhurst has been part of the Evans legacy for more than three decades. Her parents, Fred and Arleen Handel, first brought Evans Furs and Leathers to the Valley from Chicago, Il. In 1989, acquiring the original Arizona storefront at the Biltmore Fashion Park. Michelle began managing the business in 1990 and continued to oversee operations after it was sold in 1999, when she was retained as general manager by the new out-of-state owner. Now, more than 25 years later, Parkhurst is bringing Evans back into the family.

“When the opportunity to reacquire Evans arose, I knew it was meant to be,” said Michelle Parkhurst, co-owner of Evans Furs and Leathers. “This business has been a part of my family and my life for so long. To see ownership return home to Arizona and to our family feels like things have truly come full circle.”

To embark on this new chapter, Parkhurst partnered with her longtime friend and creative force Linda Rita, known for her eye for design and detail. “I’m delighted to partner with Michelle in this venture. I’ve loved working as Evans’ furrier for two decades. Now, as owners, we can bring a whole new level of service and design creativity to our customers. It’s really exciting!”

In this new partnership, Rita will oversee restyling, repair, and service operations, while Parkhurst will continue to lead business operations and sales. As a locally owned and women-led luxury retailer, Evans Furs and Leathers now benefits from the combined vision and expertise of two women who have been deeply involved in its history and evolution.

The business offers an extensive selection of fine furs and leathers, including coats, jackets, stoles, vest, capes and accessories such as hats, purses, headbands and more. In addition to retail, Evans provides professional services including climate-controlled fur and leather storage, cleaning, restyling to match today’s fashions, and upcycling - delivering and enhancing the quality and mastery that have defined the brand for decades.

Evans Furs and Leathers will continue to operate with the same trusted team, including Pamela Chaney, Claudia Reali, and Genieve Silverman, experts in all facets of fur and leather, as well as Tom Reali, who manages the company’s on-site vault. Clients will continue to enjoy the attentive, personalized service Evans is known for, along with a refreshed collection of new, gently used, and upcycled furs and leathers and a renewed emphasis on styling and fashion.

“Evans has always been about quality, care, and community,” said Linda Rita, co-owner of Evans Furs and Leathers. “We’re excited to continue that tradition and share our passion with both longtime clients and new customers.”

For more information on Evans Furs and Leathers, visit www.evansfursandleathers.com and follow Evans Furs and Leather on Instagram and Facebook.