SÜ1, a Portuguese athleisure brand founded by 17-year-old Sofia Sacoor, is making its mark in Malaysia with the launch of a special pop-up at Sunway Pyramid from 23-25 March. A portion of the proceeds from the pop-up will be directed to supporting children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in the paediatric wing at Sunway Medical Centre.
Diagnosed with T1D at the tender age of 8, Sofia’s personal journey inspired her to create a brand offering stylish and comfortable clothing while contributing to a cause close to her heart. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at such a young age was a significant turning point in my life. Though I couldn’t prevent it, I felt fortunate to have access to resources to manage my diagnosis.”
Realising the privilege of having access to insulin, Sofia decided to channel her experiences into a positive initiative. “At 13, I realised how blessed I was to afford the insulin I need to live. It saddened me to know that not every child with Type 1 Diabetes could obtain the necessary resources to treat this serious condition. That’s when I decided to create SÜ1 and make a difference in the world and truly help others’ lives,” she said.
Driven by a mission to support children and adolescents with T1D, SÜ1 offers a unique collection of hoodies, T-shirts, sweaters, shorts, and sweatpants with a global outreach strategy in mind. Its apparel is available online, ensuring people all around the world can play a part in contributing to this cause.
Officially launched in June 2023, its online business model pledges 20 AED (approximately RM26) from each sale towards institutions aiding children with T1D. Named after Sofia’s familial nickname “Su”, SÜ1 is a testament to her mission to help children who face the daily challenges of T1D.
T1D is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leading to an accumulation of sugar in the blood. Individuals with T1D require lifelong insulin replacement with multiple daily insulin injections, insulin pump therapy, or an automated insulin delivery system.
For the young entrepreneur, developing an athleisure brand was inspired by the importance of maintaining fitness levels, especially for people with T1D. “Fitness isn’t a choice but a lifeline for individuals like me battling Type 1 Diabetes.” she shares. “SU1 is an homage to this spirit of unwavering strength. It’s more than an athleisure brand; it’s a movement that encourages a fit lifestyle, something that is crucial for those living with diabetes.”
“Our garments are designed to inspire, move, and empower. Every stitch carries the hope for a healthier future and the belief that together, we can make a significant difference,” she continues.
Driven by her desire to make a difference worldwide, Sofia has chosen Malaysia to host the first-ever SÜ1 pop-up. From 23rd to 25th March, the pop-up will be open to the public on the lower ground 2 (LG2) floor at Sunway Pyramid, open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.