Bea Constantino, the creative mind behind Studio Süg, owes the genesis of her iconic Victoria jacket to a transformative dream. The jacket, named after her mother and launched in 2016, has become synonymous with the brand. Constantino credits it as the design that propelled Studio Süg into the fashion spotlight.
Before her foray into the fashion world, Constantino harbored a different aspiration: to become a professional dancer. Captivated by the grace and beauty of ballet, she began taking dance classes at the tender age of six. Dance became her sanctuary, a place where she felt a sense of belonging.
Her passion for dance led her to pursue a scholarship at the renowned Steps Dance Studio and eventually to perform on the prestigious stage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Undeterred by personal setbacks that forced her to return to the Philippines, Constantino remained steadfast in her pursuit of a dance career on Broadway.
However, fate had a different path in store for her. A job offer as a stylist for a teen magazine proved to be a pivotal moment. Initially hesitant, Constantino discovered an unexpected passion for fashion. She immersed herself in the industry, finding a home among the creative minds that shaped it.
A longing for self-discovery and purpose led Constantino to explore her family’s roots in Zamboanga and Sulu. This journey of self-exploration became the inspiration for Studio Süg, formerly known as Herman & Co.
The launch of Studio Süg’s Victoria jacket at a local mall was met with unexpected success. Despite initial doubts, the jacket sold out on the second day, igniting a spark within Constantino. She realized that Studio Süg had the potential to be more than a mere hobby.
As the brand gained recognition, Constantino faced a dilemma: prioritize her role as a stylist or embrace her creative vision as Studio Süg’s creative director. Through introspection, she came to understand that the true challenge lay not in choosing between the two but in embracing her multifaceted identity.
Liberated from the confines of self-imposed labels, Constantino fearlessly pursued both her passions. She returned to the dance stage, eager to perform once again for Steps Dance Studio’s 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on her journey, Constantino acknowledges the youthful innocence that allowed her to embrace new chapters in her life, even if it meant temporarily bidding farewell to cherished dreams. With each turn of events, she carried with her the same unwavering passion that had guided her from the dance studio to the world of fashion.
