Tom's Sons in the Press
Still At It
New York Times
For the "Future of Work" issue of The New York Times Magazine. Photographer and writer, Pia Peterson, interviewed nine people who have been at their jobs for decades. Our very own, Leon Kalajian, being one of them
vogue Arabia
How Tom’s Sons International Is Taking the Art of Pleating to New Heights
The art of pleating is nearly a century-long family affair at Tom’s Sons International. Now, the Lebanese-heritage company prepares for a new chapter. By Joelle Firzli
Documentary
Meet George Kalajian
Watch the documentary about owner George Kalajian & family. Learn how the family got started in the fashion industry and what it's like to experience New York Fashion Week.
Mini Documentary
Closely Crafted: Four Empty Walls
“Four Empty Walls” is a mini-documentary about a 5-generation family textile business in the Garment District of New York City.
Inspired by the evident history and beautifully crafted pleating, Andrew Kolczynski visits Tom’s Sons International Pleating to learn from George more than just how to pleat fabric.
Podcast
Handmade in NYC: The Art of Pleating with George Kalajian
Fifth generation master pleater George Kalajian’s family has been perfecting the art of the pleat since the 19th century. He joins us to discuss the past, present, and future of his family’s renowned pleating enterprise Tom’s Sons International Pleating, a staple of New York City’s Garment District since the 1970s.
Youtube Video Collaboration
Katherine Sewing: Is the American Fashion Industry Dying? | NY Fashion Expert Weighs In
Follow along on this series where owner, George Kalajian and Katherine discuss the American Fashion Industry and how to help Kathrine make her dream pleated skirt!
Quick Watch
Spectrum News NY1
George Kalajian walks NY1's Stephanie Simon through some of the basics of how we create pleats and shows some elaborate examples of just how much we like to push the boundaries of pleating here at Tom's Sons International Pleating.
More Press
Sew & So- Episode 84-George Kalajian- Standing Next To My Father
"Sew & So… Podcast is a simple and casual conversation with guests from the sewing/quilting community. We discuss what excites them, what inspires their work and how they grow and connect with their communities." - Sew & So
PBS NEWS HOUR: Crafting a Future
New York fashion industry tries to preserve artisan craftwork as factories move overseas
Professionally Pleated Pants, with Mary Funt | Episode 98
George Kalajian, owner of Tom’s Sons International Pleating, gives Mary Funt a tour of his studio, explaining his process for creating sunburst-pleated panels from her fabric
Garment District Alliance - Tom's Sons
Find out how father and son team, Leon and George Kalajian work together to keep the art of pleating alive.
The Stitchery: Handmade Pleats VS Professional Pleating
I got some fabric professionally pleated with Tom's Son's International Pleating (and of course, had to try doing some myself for that good old comparison)! - The Stitchery
Closely Crafted’s Move the Needle 2025
A Night of Disco, Design, and Devotion to Craft: Inside Closely Crafted’s Move the Needle Gala After Dark
Medium: Authority Magazine
George Kalajian of Tom’s Sons International Pleating On 5 Things You Need To Run A Highly Successful Family Business
ITAC - Faces of the Garment Industry
“My family has discovered what no others have.” - George Kalajian
New Fashion Design Book on Pleating Goes Beyond Fundamentals
Authors Leon Kalajian and George Kalajian offer fundamental techniques and ordering tips in their book "Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design." By Judy Neukam
CanvasRebel: Stories & Insights
Meet George Kalajian
Material is Your Business Podcast
For Episode 35 of Mouth Media Network's MATERIAL IS YOUR BUSINESS Podcast. George Kalajian joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samantha Cortes to discuss everything from our family history, to the best materials for pleating, and our book Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design
Heaps Magazine A father and son "fold" the intricate details of high fashion.
They've created 7,300 kilometers of beautiful pleats. A father-and-son team of pleating artisans attracts all kinds of visitors.