Step into the CYC atelier, and you may find Siew Jie quietly at work. The air hums with the soft murmur of sewing machines, the rustle of fabric, and quiet conversation between seasoned seamstresses. For over six decades, Chan Foong Siew — or Siew Jie, as she is fondly known — has been a guiding force within this space.
Her first steps into tailoring began without prior experience. Introduced to the company by a friend, she joined as a young woman with no sewing background. Initially assigned to quality control, her early duties included inspecting garments and learning to identify imperfections. From there, she began to master the fundamental techniques of shirtmaking: sewing buttonholes, performing basic alterations, and eventually crafting full garments on her own.
Her early years were spent in CYC's original two-storey shophouse, where the workshop operated above the retail space. Under the direction of a stern but highly skilled mentor, she worked alongside a small but industrious team of seamsters and seamstresses. The atmosphere was one of discipline and focus, shaped by strict quality control and rigorous standards. “They didn’t let me off the hook so easily!" She chuckled. This period laid the foundation for her exacting eye and high personal expectations—traits that would guide her career for decades to come.
As the business evolved, so did Siew Jie's role. She experienced the factory era at Macpherson, where larger-scale production was overseen by appointed principals tasked with maintaining order and consistency on the production floor. While some felt the strain of constant supervision, Siew Jie remained unfazed, holding herself to a higher standard and taking pride in every garment she completed. For her, excellence was a personal benchmark, not one imposed by others.
She witnessed the shifting trends in fashion and production, including the introduction of new fabrics that brought unique challenges. One of the most vivid memories from her early career involved a delicate fabric from the Philippines. It was fashionable at the time, but extremely difficult to handle. "Any mistake was irreversible," she explains. "If you unpicked it, the holes would remain. We were all on edge." These challenges, though daunting, only strengthened her resolve and deepened her understanding of her craft.
In addition to her technical expertise, Siew Jie became an informal mentor to younger seamstresses and apprentices. Her calm, methodical approach and deep knowledge of construction drew others to her workstation, where they observed the harmony of hand and eye. She championed the idea of assigning a single seamstress to each garment, believing that this ownership improved quality and consistency.
Throughout her career, Siew Jie remained deeply committed to the integrity of her work. Her mastery of measurements, proportion, and structure continues to influence those who learn from her.
As one of the longest-serving members of CYC, her career is emblematic of the brand's values: attention to detail, craftsmanship, and pride in one’s work. Her quiet leadership and unwavering dedication remain a powerful reminder of the traditions that shaped the company, and her presence continues to inspire those around her.
"Not many people want to become tailors anymore," Siew Jie said. In an era where fewer young people choose tailoring as a profession, her story underscores the importance of preserving artisanal knowledge. The legacy of Siew Jie is not just in the garments she has sewn, but in the ethos she represents—a lifelong commitment to excellence and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship at the heart of CYC.
Continue the Legacy of Tailored Excellence
Visit our store and experience the craft she helped shape. Whether you're commissioning your first shirt or adding to your wardrobe, every garment is made with the same care and commitment that has defined CYC for over 90 years.