About Our Universe

CO-OWNER +

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I'm Andres Biel, a Lower East Side native New Yorker. My passion for art ignited in high school through still life drawing, leading me to fashion, an outlet shaped by pop culture icons like Aaliyah, MTV, hip-hop, and shows like The Hills and Project Runway. After earning my GED in 2014, I faced rejection from FIT, but this only fueled my determination. I taught myself sewing via YouTube and honed my skills at Mood Fabrics. My debut collection, “Rebirth,” showcased at New York and Harlem Fashion Weeks, marking my breakthrough. Winning the Emerging Designer Award at Harlem Fashion Week led to an apprenticeship at SoHarlem, where I refined my technical expertise. Today, I empower at-risk youth as a fashion creative coach at the Henry Street Settlement while growing my brand, IFLYUNIVERSE. My latest collection, “Golden Era,” represents my next chapter, pushing boundaries and telling stories through fashion. I'm eager to continue evolving and sharing my vision.

 

CO-OWNER

CREATIVE MANAGER

Brooklyn-born Jonathan Vargas combines his academic background in Political Science and Pre-Law from Oneonta State University, with legal studies at NYU and contract law courses at Harvard, to support IFLYUNIVERSE. As a key advisor to the Creative Director, he lends his analytical perspective and creative eye. He also designs accessories and handbags, and oversees logistics for pop-up shops, fashion shows, and strategic growth initiatives.

IFLYUNIVERSE

Dive into IFLYUNIVERSE: Explore our brand and story to see what makes us FLY

Our Concept

Born in 2019, IFLYUNIVERSE redefines high-end streetwear by weaving urban style with ready-to-wear elegance. We are driven by bold design, innovative materials, and unexpected color combinations. IFLYUNIVERSE is more than a brand; it's a platform for storytelling, a thriving community, and a testament to creative expression. From our formative collections to collaborations with global partners like SHEIN, we translate the vibrant rhythm of the streets into sophisticated, elevated fashion. We believe in individuality, champion inclusivity, and embrace fashion as a universal language that connects us all.

IFLYUNIVERSE: Shaping the Future Through Vision and Impact

  1. We showcase our creative evolution, from humble beginnings to a fusion of streetwear and high-end fashion, highlighting our brand’s growth and innovation.
  2. IFLYUNIVERSE defines its unique identity by pushing urban style boundaries with thoughtful designs, innovative fabrics, and a commitment to community and inclusivity.
  3. We inspire the next generation of designers by demonstrating how passion, persistence, and creativity can break barriers.
  4. Our collections, including "Miami" and "Universal Light," tell powerful stories,
    reflecting personal experience and social awareness.
  5. Collaboration and impact drive IFLYUNIVERSE, exemplified by partnerships like SHEIN and community
    initiatives like pandemic mask-making and at-risk youth mentorship.
  6. We seek future opportunities, using this portfolio as a platform to expand into new collaborations, partnerships, and creative projects.
  7. Sustainability and innovation are core values, and we are committed to using thoughtful materials and practices for positive impact on fashion and the world.

REBIRTH: A VISUAL JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION

My inaugural collection, a 20-look fall/winter series, is a deeply personal visual narrative of my evolution as a designer, told through the language of color. White and silver symbolize birth and the initial spark of creativity, transitioning into the somber tones of black, representing periods of adversity. The collection culminates in a vibrant red and silver, embodying my rebirth – a powerful reclamation of passion and love for fashion. Each garment represents a step in this journey, from tentative beginnings to a confident affirmation of my identity as a creator.


"Rebirth" was more than a fashion presentation; it was a profound personal turning point. Completing and showcasing the 20-look collection at New York Fashion Week felt like a significant stride forward. Presenting eight looks at Harlem Fashion Week, within the esteemed Museum of the City of New York, provided invaluable validation. Winning the Designers Competition and receiving the Emerging Designer Award from Misa Hylton affirmed "Rebirth" as the true beginning of my transformative journey as a designer. This achievement led to an apprenticeship at SoHarlem, where I refined my technical garment construction expertise under the mentorship of Master Tailor Henry Smith and Designer Javier Valencia. "Rebirth" was not merely a collection; it was the launching point for my next chapter.

MIAMI NIGHTS COLLECTION

Inspired by the pulse of Miami, the 'Miami Nights' Collection translates the city's vibrant energy into wearable art. Bold colors, dynamic light play, and striking architectural forms are central to the collection, while urban street art and vivid murals inject an artistic, contemporary flair. Tropical scenes offer a counterpoint, bringing in a relaxed, beach-infused aesthetic. The resulting imagery reflects Miami's distinctive fusion of culture, style, and rhythm, creating a collection that resonates with the city's dynamic spirit and kaleidoscopic atmosphere.

UNIVERSAL LIGHT

Driven by the pursuit of equality and the urgency for change during events like the George Floyd marches, the 'Universal Light' collection serves as a powerful testament to resilience and social justice. This collection employs fashion as a vehicle for demanding that humanity be seen, heard, and protected. Neon hues, inspired by construction safety gear, symbolize visibility and security, while reflective materials represent light's triumph over darkness, embodying the unwavering spirit of those seeking justice. 'Universal Light' is not simply clothing; it's a rallying cry for recognition, action, and a tribute to the ongoing fight for racial equality.


After its debut at Harlem Fashion Week, 'Universal Light' garnered significant recognition, including a feature in Malvie Magazine, a Times Square billboard, and community fashion shows with Jobs Plus and Flushing High School students. This impact led to a collaboration with SHEIN, extending the collection's message to a global audience. 'Universal Light' transitioned from a fashion collection to a social movement, leveraging style as a platform for change and empowerment.

SHEIN x IFLYUNIVERSE

Rooted in the empowering message of the 'Universal Light' collection, the SHEIN x IFLYUNIVERSE collaboration translates bold aesthetics into accessible fashion. The debut collection showcases vibrant neon colors, striking color-blocking, and edgy streetwear elements, reflecting themes of visibility and strength. The second collection expands on this vision with playful color-blocking in pinks and purples, providing a contemporary and versatile streetwear offering for both men and women. This collaboration delivers a compelling fusion of modern style and empowering design, reaching a global audience through accessible fashion.

GODDESS COLLECTION

The 'Goddess' collection, a tribute to the Egyptian goddess Nut, captures the essence of celestial power and elegance. Deep royal blue and luminous silver hues mirror the night sky, enhanced by intricate beading, flowing fringe, and opulent fabrics. The collection features a range of silhouettes, from form-fitting dresses to statement jumpsuits, each blending contemporary structure with celestial-inspired details, symbolizing both strength and grace. It offers a harmonious blend of ethereal beauty and bold modernity, designed for those who seek to embody divine power and sophisticated allure.

COLLECTION ACHIEVEMENTS

The 'Universal Goddess' collection, after its debut at the Brooklyn Public Library, resonated powerfully, leading to its feature in Amare Magazine's Power Edition. A California photoshoot captured the versatility and strength of the women wearing the designs, underscoring the collection's message of diversity and empowerment. This achievement demonstrated the collection's ability to move beyond conventional fashion, using style to celebrate and elevate its wearers.

POP SMOKE GALA

After its successful debut, the 'Universal Goddess' collection was showcased at the Pop Smoke Gala, where I was commissioned to create four unique looks. Notably, I collaborated with Pop Smoke's mother, Audrey Jackson, a profound experience that merged fashion with a powerful homage.

The second Pop Smoke Gala presented another significant collaboration with Audrey Jackson, for whom I designed three pairs of pants for her capsule collection. This partnership underscored the power of fashion as a medium for personal narratives.

GOLDEN ERA

This collection is a personal narrative, representing the next phase of my design journey, built upon the foundation of skills developed since FIT. Each piece, crafted from rich fabrics like black knit, brown suede, and fuchsia pink wool, is designed for vibrancy and versatility, transcending seasonal boundaries. The dynamic palette, featuring pastel orange, gold, and a striking black brocade with pink, orange, red, and green details, is complemented by the playful sophistication of striped wool. This collection embodies my growth, reflects my evolving vision, and reaffirms my commitment to storytelling through the art of fashion.