Today we’d like to introduce you to Mila Tung.
Hi Mila, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Silence d’Or began from a very personal place after I experienced gender-based violence and found myself rebuilding my sense of self, confidence, and beauty. I started with handmade leather handbags and accessories, and what began as a creative outlet quickly became a way to transform pain into something intentional, elegant, and empowering.
The name Silence d’Or means “silence of gold,” and it reflects my belief that strength can be quiet, healing can be gradual, and beauty can return in more intentional forms. Through the brand, I wanted to create pieces that remind women of their worth while also giving back through donations to BWSS, Battered Women’s Support Services.
Leather became central to that vision because it carries memory in a visible way. As it ages, softens, and develops character, it reflects the life it has been part of. I was drawn to creating pieces that do not remain untouched or perfect, but become more personal and refined over time.
As I continued designing, selling at markets, and working directly with manufacturers, I developed a clearer understanding of quality, construction, and what it takes to build a lasting product. That process also meant walking away from pieces that did not meet my standards, even when it came at a cost. Over time, it became clear that the brand needed to evolve into something more focused, elevated, and deeply connected to my identity.
That evolution led to XU, a quiet luxury leather handbag brand rooted in ancient Chinese forms, symbolism, and modern sculptural design. XU represents a return to my heritage and a full embrace of who I am. Drawing from historical forms allows me to reconnect with the strength and refinement within my culture, and reinterpret it into pieces that feel timeless and contemporary.
For me, XU represents reclamation, resilience, and direction. Silence d’Or was the beginning of that journey, and XU is the continuation of it with greater clarity, intention, and long-term vision. Every piece is designed to hold not just function, but meaning, and to reflect the belief that what we carry can become part of who we are.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. I was building Silence d’Or while navigating the aftermath of gender-based violence, without a strong support system, while also finishing nursing school and working part-time. There were moments where everything felt uncertain, and I had to learn how to keep moving forward without external stability.
On the business side, one of the biggest challenges was learning to uphold my standards, especially early on. I worked with manufacturers and developed products that I ultimately chose not to release because they did not meet the level of quality I expect. That was difficult, especially when you are investing time and money, but I made a decision early on that I would not build a brand by compromising on what my customers deserve.
Those experiences shaped how I operate today. They taught me resilience, discernment, and the importance of building something slowly but intentionally, rather than rushing something that does not fully align.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and designer of XU, a quiet luxury leather handbag brand focused on sculptural, symbolic design inspired by ancient Chinese forms and reinterpreted through a modern, minimal lens.
I specialize in creating handbags that carry meaning as well as function. Each piece is developed with a strong emphasis on structure, proportion, and material, particularly leather, which evolves over time and becomes more personal with use. My goal is to create objects that feel intentional, enduring, and refined.
What sets my work apart is the combination of cultural heritage, emotional depth, and restraint. XU uses branding with intention, but the value of the piece comes from its form, craftsmanship, and subtle symbolism. The brand speaks to women who are defining themselves on their own terms and want to carry something that reflects that shift.
What I am most proud of is the resilience it has taken to build this, alongside the standards I have chosen to maintain. I continued developing the brand through uncertainty and without strong external support, while also choosing not to release products that did not meet my expectations. That process shaped the direction of XU and reinforced my commitment to building something that is considered, consistent, and aligned with the quality, meaning, and care that the women who carry XU deserve.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I appreciate most about Vancouver is the balance it offers between pace and stillness. There is a strong connection to nature, but also a sense of quiet ambition. People here are building, creating, and evolving, but in a way that feels more grounded and less performative. That environment has influenced how I approach XU, especially in valuing restraint, intention, and a unique form of expression.
What I find more challenging is that the city can feel somewhat reserved, both socially and creatively. It can take longer to build community or momentum, especially when you are trying to create something new. At the same time, I see that as part of the process, because it forces you to be more intentional about who you connect with and how you build.
Pricing:
- XU is currently in the pre-launch and product development stage
- Final pricing has not been confirmed yet, as each piece is still being refined through sampling, materials, and production planning, but the estimate is about 350-475 USD
- The brand will be positioned in the accessible luxury to quiet luxury range, with pricing reflecting genuine leather, small-batch production, thoughtful craftsmanship, and symbolic design.
- Early supporters may receive access to special presale pricing before the official launch.
- Presale details will be shared first with the XU waitlist.
Contact Info:
