How Twins Pleating Turned Its Business Around After a 50 Percent Drop
Written by Tony Gomez, President
Tony Gomez leads Twins Pleating and Stitching, a family-founded Los Angeles textile studio known for artisanal pleating and smocking. Carrying on a decades-long legacy, he partners with top designers, brands, and costume creators to bring bold visions to life.
The U.S. apparel industry has faced ongoing pressure since the pandemic, with tariffs, shifting trends, and softer consumer demand forcing many companies to scale back, merge, or shut down. More than 50 businesses have exited the space entirely.
Twins Pleating, a company based in Los Angeles that is a fabric enhancement subcontractor, initially moved in the opposite direction. The company’s sales surged during the pandemic. But in 2023, following the sudden passing of founder and CEO Robert Gomez, the business experienced a sharp decline, with sales dropping nearly 50 percent.
His son, Tony Gomez, stepped in as CEO during a difficult transition. “We were losing momentum after my father passed,” Tony said. “It was emotional for our family and a tough adjustment stepping into that role.” Although he had already been managing external sales, leading the company fully required a shift in approach.
At the start of 2025, several key moves began to reshape the business. Tony brought on marketing consultant Robert Liljenwall, who spent more than 30 years teaching brand management at UCLA. Together, they developed a structured marketing strategy, something the company had never formally implemented.
At the same time, Tony reconnected with top clients, reinforcing the company’s core strengths, consistent quality, fast turnaround, and competitive pricing. The company also increased its presence on social media, highlighting its process and capabilities.
Around that same time, a former client returned with steady smocking orders, one of the company’s specialties. That reactivation helped spark renewed momentum.
From there, growth followed. Sales improved month over month, eventually surpassing quarterly targets. By the end of 2025, Twins Pleating had nearly doubled its performance from the previous year.
Even with that progress, Tony remained cautious. “The apparel industry moves fast,” he said. “You can feel strong one quarter and exposed the next.”
That volatility became clear heading into 2026, as some clients warned they would be pausing production for several months. Despite those concerns, the company’s first quarter still outperformed the same period the year prior, supported by increased volume from existing partners and new business, including a client in Canada.
“I’ve learned to stay cautiously optimistic,” Tony said. “Our reputation helps, but we still have to earn the work every day.” To support continued growth, the company invested in new smocking equipment to expand capacity in a key segment of its operation. At the same time, it continues to push forward with digital efforts, including a new website and a more consistent social media presence.
For Tony, the turnaround reinforced a straightforward approach. “Stay close to your clients. Do the work right. Keep adapting,” he said. There is no perfect formula. Just staying close to the work, staying close to your clients, and making the next right decision.
Read more from Tony Gomez
Tony Gomez, President
Tony Gomez is the owner of Twins Pleating and Stitching, a Los Angeles studio specializing in artisanal pleating and smocking. For more than three decades, the family-founded business has collaborated with world-renowned designers, luxury brands, and Hollywood costume teams to produce unforgettable fashion moments. From red carpets and the Met Gala to blockbuster films, Tony’s expertise has helped shape iconic looks. Dedicated to preserving craftsmanship in modern fashion, he advocates for slow fashion practices and sustainability while pushing the creative boundaries of textile design.
