Modernize Tailors
Photo by: Modernize Tailors
Photo by: Modernize Tailors
Modernize Tailors, established in 1913, is the one of the oldest legacy businesses in Vancouver Chinatown. Founded by Wong Kung Lai, Modernize has been the go-to tailor shop for locals and celebrities alike by offering men’s suiting services with a personalized touch.
Today, the legacy of this over a 100 year-old business is led by Mia Wu, apprentice of the legendary late Bill Wong. With her strong desire and promise to carry on this master tailor’s legacy, we have ushered in a new generation of tailoring; modernizing and respectfully building on the traditions and revered craftsmanship. The tailoring house now offers services such as bespoke garments, clothing design, wardrobe advice, styling, and alteration services. Modernize provides a personalized tailor-made experience for all ages and genders, as well as for all occasions.
Thanks to the continued support from the neighbourhood of Chinatown, Modernize Tailors has become one of the oldest tailoring houses in Vancouver. With every satisfied client, the financial support directly supports local youth tailors who make up the team at Modernize Tailors.
Your personal tailor - a perfect fit for every body type and personality.
Lunar New Year Traditions: Then and Now
Photo by: Ting Photography
There is a Chinese proverb which goes: Harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all undertakings.
Kinship can lead to peace and devotion.
A long-standing tradition in Chinese culture is having family portraits be taken professionally. Gathering with loved ones in order to take a single picture expresses how important the concept of family is in Chinese culture. It may seem like a simple act - to dress up in traditional clothing and wait for your photo to be taken - but for many families of Chinese heritage, family portraits carry a deeper meaning.
Like a hearth that brings others together with warmth and with light, the act of taking family portraits brings people together. It joins everyone involved into a special moment through the spirit of unity. It is a gesture of respecting the elderly to loving one’s child - an act of affection that spans across multi-generations, all captured in a singular moment.
This year, Modernize Tailors has designed a special collection to bring together traditional wear and modern day experiences. Cherishing the importance of family unity, Modernize Tailors is working with Ting Photography to carry on the beautiful traditions of portrait photography in Chinese culture. This initiative is inspired by the work of Yucho Chow, Vancouver's first and most prolific Chinese photographer who operated in Chinatown from 1907-1949. Families of all backgrounds had their portraits taken by Chow, including the Wong family of Modernize Tailors. Sitting in the shop is a copy of “Chinatown Through a Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow,” a recent book by Catherine Clement.
“We want to bring back and honour cultural traditions and the rich history of ” - Mia Wu
Photo by: Modernize Tailors
Photo by: Modernize Tailors
Modernize Tailors is also collaborating with Chinatown Wonders, a local shop that deepens ties to community, culture, history, and heritage by bringing together artists, creators, and businesses connected to Chinatown. Through this partnership, the inaugural launch of Modernized Tailored products will be showcased online and sold through Chinatown Wonders. On Saturday, Feb 13th Chinatown Wonders is hosting a pop-up store across the street from Modernize Tailors. The “Around the Corner” event brings together businesses adjacent to the Chinatown Millenium Gate. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Chinese Canadian Museum’s exhibition, A Seat at the Table, where there will be special Lunar New Year programming from Feb 12 to 14.
Modernize Tailors endeavours to expand its relationship with Chinatown Wonders, as well as connect with other businesses in Chinatown, to build stronger connections and sense of community as the neighbourhood recovers .
To welcome the Lunar New Year, the team at Modernize Tailors has designed their own traditional-styled clothing. Find them wearing their commemorative garments at 5 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC, just steps away from the Millenium Gate.
Photo by: Modernize Tailors
Modernize Tailors Inc.
Instagram: @modernizetailormade
Website: www.modernizetailors.com
Phone Number: (604) -685-0610
Address: 5 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC
Ting Photography
Website: www.tingphoto.com
Instagram: @tingphotography
Chinatown Wonders
Website: www.chinatownwonders.com
Instagram: @chinatownwonders
Address: 529 Carrall St., Vancouver, BC