Project Golden Bear

Project
Golden Bear

Apprenticeship.

Sustainability.

Community.

Preserving Couture Craftsmanship: Our mission is to save the art of high-end fashion by teaching traditional skills to future generations.

The Mission

Empowering Future Generations

Our mission is to preserve and revitalize the timeless artistry of couture fashion craftsmanship by bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Recognizing the dwindling practice of apprenticeships in this esteemed craft, we are committed to safeguarding the invaluable knowledge passed down through generations. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on training, we empower aspiring artisans to master the intricate techniques and exquisite details that define couture fashion. By preserving this legacy, we not only honor the rich heritage of our craft but also inspire creativity, sustainability, and excellence in the fashion industry for generations to come.

The Mission

Empowering Future Generations

Our Approach

We are revolutionizing the preservation of craftsmanship by modernizing the apprenticeship model. Unlike short-term internships, which offer limited time for skill acquisition, our approach emphasizes long-term mentorship and hands-on learning.

Through extended apprenticeships, spanning years rather than mere months, we provide ample supervision and guidance for individuals to truly master their craft. This extended duration fosters not only the transfer of technical skills but also the cultivation of personal style and artistic expression.

By bridging tradition with innovation, we ensure that the invaluable knowledge of our craft is passed on effectively to future generations, empowering them to make their mark in the world of fashion.

Strategy

Our strategy focuses on providing hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities for budding artisans, starting with the fundamental skill of cutting. Here’s how we plan to execute this strategy:

1. Emphasis on Fundamentals

We will begin by teaching young enthusiasts the art of cutting, laying the foundation for their journey into couture craftsmanship. This fundamental skill will be repeated and reinforced, following the traditional approach passed down through generations.

2. Integration with Factory Environment

To provide a realistic learning experience, participants will work within an actual factory setting. Immersing them in this environment allows them to gain firsthand exposure to the processes and dynamics of the fashion industry.

3. Product Creation

While learning cutting techniques, participants will simultaneously engage in the creation of products within the factory. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their skills but also instills a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to tangible outcomes.

4. Progressive Skill Development

As participants develop proficiency in cutting, they will have the opportunity to expand their repertoire and tackle additional tasks within the factory. This progressive approach allows them to grow their skill set organically and adapt to various challenges.

5. Real Client Work Opportunities

Once participants demonstrate mastery in specific skills, they will be integrated into real client projects within the factory. This exposure to actual client work provides valuable experience and enhances their understanding of industry standards and client expectations.

6. Entrepreneurial Goal

One of our primary goals is to empower these apprentices to one day establish their own ateliers. This initiative is urgent due to a looming crisis in the couture industry. The existing generation of skilled artisans, who possess the intricate skill sets required for couture clothing production, is rapidly aging or retiring. Unfortunately, the new generation lacks the time and resources necessary to acquire these skills, as mastery in couture craftsmanship demands years of dedicated practice and mentorship. Without intervention, this gap in knowledge and expertise will lead to a serious decline in the couture industry, jeopardizing its heritage and economic viability.

7. Awareness Campaign for Slow Fashion Brands

In addition to our efforts to train the next generation of couture artisans, we recognize the importance of raising awareness about the value of slow fashion brands. Through a targeted awareness campaign, we will educate consumers about the significance of supporting brands that prioritize craftsmanship and sustainability. Specifically, we will encourage consumers to look for products labeled “Made in NYC,” highlighting the rich heritage and expertise of the garment center in New York City. By promoting the purchase of locally-made, high-quality garments, we aim to preserve the ecosystem of knowledge within the garment center, which is at risk of disappearing. This initiative not only benefits our program but also contributes to the preservation of New York City’s cultural and economic fabric.

8. Golden Teddy Bear Project

Within our program, apprentices will primarily concentrate on crafting a distinctive item: the Golden Teddy Bear. These carefully constructed bears will symbolize exquisite craftsmanship and provide financial backing for our project. A portion of the profits from each bear sold will directly bolster our apprenticeship program, securing its future expansion. Furthermore, earnings from the Golden Teddy Bear sales will be designated to aid various nonprofit groups, especially those dedicated to assisting children facing life threatening illness. Through this two-fold endeavor, our goal is to uphold couture craftsmanship while simultaneously contributing to the betterment of our community by aiding those in need.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Future Artisans

By implementing this strategy, we aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that not only prepares budding artisans for success in the couture fashion industry but also addresses the urgent need to preserve and pass on these invaluable skills to future generations. Through hands-on practice, immersion in a factory environment, and opportunities for real client work, we empower them to safeguard the legacy of couture craftsmanship and ensure its continuity in the face of impending challenges.

More Than Just a Golden Bear

Since all our teddy bears are crafted from 100% fabric scraps, each bear showcases a unique assortment of colors and textures, reflecting the season’s fashion trends. Our goal is to minimize fabric waste and approach zero waste by utilizing all the scraps created by Toms Sons International Pleating. We hope that this model will be adopted by other manufacturers to create products that benefit the environment from their fabric remnants.

Support the Project

Project Golden Bear is an initiative started by George Kalajian, owner of Tom’s Sons International Pleating LLC. If you’d like to support the project, you can do so by clicking the button below:

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About Tom's Sons International Pleating

Since 1931, Tom’s Sons International Pleating has been a family owned fabric and textile pleating business. Our full service facility is located in the heart of New York City’s Garment District and offers all aspects of pleating services: from sample development to production. Quality is our legacy and a heritage that we work tirelessly to uphold. Full attention is always paid to even the finest detail. Our family master craftspeople posses the level of artistry and unsurpassed technical design skill, that has been acquired and passed down through five generations of expertise in this industry.

About Tom's Sons International Pleating

Dedication

This charity is dedicated to the memory of my father, Leon Kalajian, whose unwavering passion for the fashion industry and selfless spirit continues to inspire me every day. Alongside my mother Sera, he taught me everything I know about the art and intricacies of fashion, instilling in me a love for the craft and a commitment to excellence.

My father was a brilliant technician and innovator, making major breakthroughs in the art of pleating. His creations and prolific career are a testament to his expertise. Despite being an unsung hero, he chose to stay behind the scenes, never seeking the limelight but always making significant contributions that shaped the industry.
My mother, with her discerning eye, taught me the importance of aesthetics and the power in the smallest details. Her lessons in the subtleties of fashion design have been invaluable and continue to influence my work today.

Through this charity, I aim to honor my father’s legacy and share with the world the greatness of a man who shaped not only my career but also my values and purpose. It is my mission to ensure that his remarkable influence and dedication to fashion are never forgotten.

With love and gratitude, I continue his work, driven by the lessons he imparted and the profound impact both my parents had on my life.

George Kalajian

Project Golden Bear