Tour the workshop of Tom’s Sons International Pleating, featured in the current exhibition Made in America: The Industrial Photography of Christopher Payne. Fashion designers and interior designers turn to Tom’s Sons International Pleating for meticulous, beautiful pleating of fabric, from silk to denim. A family-owned company based in midtown Manhattan, it has delivered highly skilled textile pleating since 1931.
We will hear from owner George Kalajian about the long, multi-national history of the company, as well as its future. Then, we will view a demonstration of some of the pleating techniques and technologies that have made Tom’s sought after by designers across the United States. Light refreshments will be provided.
Speaker
George Kalajian is a master craftsman and owner of Tom’s Sons International Pleating, a family business in New York City’s Garment District with over 150 years of heritage. His expertise in pleating has made him a trusted collaborator for iconic fashion brands like Oscar de la Renta, Coach, Vera Wang, and Ralph Lauren, as well as major productions like the Met Gala and Hollywood films. Co-author of Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design, Kalajian carries on the legacy of his father, Leon, ensuring that the art of pleating continues to inspire and evolve.
Accessibility & What to Expect:
- Format: The program will include standing and walking throughout the Tom’s Sons International Pleating premises for about one hour. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator from the ground floor to the studio; the studio is generally wheelchair accessible but there are a few areas that are inaccessible. If you would like more information to determine your ability to participate, please call 212.849.8353 or email CHEducation@si.edu.
- About the space: The program will take place offsite in midtown Manhattan. The exact address will be sent to registered attendees before the event.
- Accommodations: We recognize this tour may not be accessible to all. If you have any questions about the format or additional information about the tour, please contact at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when you register. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
SUPPORT
Made in America: The Industrial Photography of Christopher Payne received support from Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Signature support for Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target and New Balance.
