Made To Measure, Made With Meaning: A Q&A With Saya The Label’s Catherine Tang (Win!)

For designer Catherine Tang, clothing is more than fashion—it’s a reflection of heritage, intention, and strength. As the Chinese-Canadian founder of Saya the Label, Catherine is redefining modern essentials with timeless tailoring and architectural grace. Her made-to-order pieces speak to the quiet beauty of thoughtful design and the deep-rooted values of her Asian upbringing. In honour of Asian Heritage Month, we caught up with Catherine to talk about craftsmanship, culture, and what it means to create with purpose. —Noa Nichol

Saya the Label is known for its refined tailoring and architectural draping. How do your Chinese heritage and cultural values influence your design philosophy and aesthetic?

Saya the Label was born from a love of movement and a belief that athleisurewear should feel as intentional as it looks. Designed with simplicity and functionality every piece is created to the modern woman— whether they are in motion or in rest.

Rooted in my Chinese background, Saya the Label draws inspiration from the resilience of women, where balance and purpose serve as the core values. You’ll see that in our timeless silhouettes, clean lines, and fabric composition. I believe you’re the staples in your wardrobe should work for any day – whether you are the go or taking it slow.

Your brand has embraced a made-to-order and small-batch approach. What inspired you to take this slower, more intentional path in fashion—and how does it reflect your personal or cultural values?

I take pride in our quality at Saya the Label, which is why we’ve embraced a small-batch approach. This mindful path lets me stay hands-on and focus on the finer details. It also ties back to values I grew up with — creating with purpose and appreciating the process. I have respect for longevity, and this flows into everything I do at Saya the Label. 

“Quiet strength” is a recurring theme in your work. How do you express that concept through fabric, silhouette, and construction?

For me, “quiet strength” is about being grounded and confident. Saya the Label expresses this through simple, minimal shapes in all our products that move with the body. There are no labels or logos, and we use materials that feel soft but can perform during your challenging workouts and every day tasks. 

Many Asian-Canadian designers are redefining what it means to be both modern and rooted in tradition. How does Saya strike that balance?

I believe you don’t have to choose between looking to past traditions and looking to the future. Our brand is built on our community, and our heritage teaches us the importance of collective support. We are doing our best to keep this philosophy of carrying each other forward, but doing it in a way where we can all evolve and grow. Lately, we have been supporting new, local studios and host intentional experiences that involve movement and connection.

Asian Heritage Month is a time for reflection and celebration. What does this month mean to you personally and professionally as a Chinese-Canadian designer?

AAPI Heritage Month has always been a time for us to celebrate and uplift our community. There’s something special about sharing our favourite AAPI owned businesses; as an Asian woman I understand how important representation is. In the past few years, our AAPI Themed events, partnered with local businesses, fuelled our motivation to keep growing. The conversations we had with other creatives and entrepreneurs continue to push us to create inclusive spaces and events for our community.  

What are some lesser-known elements of traditional Asian craftsmanship or design that you wish more people in the Western fashion world appreciated?

Asian fashion is known to be versatile and multi-functional – for example, the hanfu from China is a whole system of layers you mix and match for any occasion and season. At Saya the Label, we design pieces that aren’t just for working out —our products are made so you can go to brunch with your friends right after a Pilates class. 

Your pieces feel timeless yet bold—what stories or emotions do you hope people carry with them when they wear Saya?

When someone wears Saya the Label, I hope they feel connected to something bigger than just the clothes they have on. I want them to feel comfortable and confident from wearing something made with intention. Every design, from the colors we choose to the name of our piece, carries a little piece of our experience and conversations we’ve had with incredible women. If you look at our products on our website, they are named after an important woman that we have crossed paths with in our life. They have helped shape the brand and pushed me to take up space as a woman of color in the fashion industry. We create our products to move with you and grow with you. More than anything, I hope when someone puts on one of our pieces, they feel seen and celebrated.. 

Looking ahead, how do you envision Saya evolving—and what legacy do you hope to leave as part of the growing Asian-Canadian fashion community?

When I think about the future of Saya the Label, I see so much more than just creating new designs — I see a movement. I want us to keep growing into a brand that’s not only known for our apparel, but for including those in our community in all our experiences. We’ll always stay true to our roots, but we’re excited to explore new silhouettes, more sustainable practices, and unique collaborations with our fellow peers. As part of the AAPI Community, my biggest hope is to leave a positive impact to those around us. I want to open more doors for other creatives and entrepreneurs— to show that you can lead with culture, celebrate your identity, and build something powerful. I hope we can remind others that our stories deserve to take up space in our respective industries and beyond. We’re just getting started, and I’m so excited for everything that is to come! 

Win! A Saya The Label Prize Pack For You + Your BFF!

Congrats Esther E. of Airdrie, AB, who will receive a 2 x $100 gift cards and 2 tote bags from Saya for you and your BFF! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.