About Our Universe

CO-OWNER +

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I am Andres Biel, a native New Yorker from the Lower East Side. My love for art began in high school, where still life drawing helped me realize my passion for creativity. Fashion became my 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 applied to the fashion Institute of Technology but was not accepted. Determined, I taught myself sewing through YouTube and refined my skills at Mood Fabrics. My breakthrough came with my first collection, “Rebirth”, which showcased at New York Fashion week and Harlem Fashion week. Winning the emerging designer award at Harlem fashion week opened doors to an apprenticeship at Soharlem, where I refined my technical skill. Today, I teach at-risk youth as a fashion creative coach at the Henry street Settlement, While continuing to grow IFLYUNIVERSE. My latest collection, Golden Era. Represents the next chapter of my journey, pushing boundaries and telling stories through fashion. I’m excited to keep evolving and sharing my vision.

CO-OWNER

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Jonathan Vargas is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn, with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Pre-Law from Oneonta State University. He furthered his studies in Legal Studies at NYU and took contract law courses at Harvard. Leveraging his creativity, Jonathan supports the IFLYUNIVERSE brand as a second eye to the Creative Director and designs accessories and handbags for new collections. He also manages logistics for pop-up shops, shows, and other initiatives to help the fashion brand grow.

IFLYUNIVERSE

Check out the IFLYUNIVERSE Brand and Story of what makes us FLY.

Our Concept

IFLYUNIVERSE is a high-end streetwear brand we created in 2019 blending urban style with ready-to-wear fashion. The concept is rooted in pushing boundaries with bold designs, innovative fabric choices, and unique color schemes. IFLYUNIVERSE represents more than just clothing;- it’s about storytelling, community, and creativity. From the early collections to my partnerships with global brands like SHEIN, the brand has always aimed to reflect the pulse of the street while offering a refined, elevated aesthetic. IFLYUNIVERSE stands for individuality, inclusivity, and the belief that fashion is a universal language.

Intentions: shaping the future of IFLYUNIVERSE

  1. IFLYUNIVERSE showcases its creative evolution, from humble beginnings to becoming a fusion of streetwear and high-end fashion, highlighting the brand’s growth and innovation.

2. we present our unique identity by pushing the boundaries of urban style with thoughtful designs, innovative fabric choices, and a commitment to community and inclusivity

3. Through our story, IFLYUNIVERSE aims to inspire the next generation of designers, showing how passion, persistence, and creativity can break barriers.

4. Our collections including “miami” and Universal light” are crafted to tell powerful stories, each reflecting a blend of personal experience and social awareness.

5. Collaboration and impact are at the heart of IFLYUNIVERSE, whether through partnerships like SHEIN or initiatives like mask making during the pandemic and mentoring at-risk youth.

6. IFLYUNIVERSE seeks to connect with future opportunities, using this portfolio as a platform to expand into new collaborations, partnerships, and creative projects.

7. Sustainability and innovation are core values if IFLYUNIVERSE, and we are committed to using thoughtful materials and practices to make a positive impact on both fashion and the world.

From Birth to RE-BIRTH

My first collection, a fall/winter 20-look series, is a visual narrative of my journey as a designer, using color to express my personal evolution. I started with white and silver to symbolize birth and light representing my entry into the world and the beginning of my creative path. As the collection progresses, the tones transition into black, embodying the darker periods of my life. From there, the collection shifts into a bold red and silver, reflecting my rebirth as a designer, rediscovering my passion and love for creativity and fashion. Each piece is a step in this transformation, from the uncertainty of the beginnings to the powerful embrace of my identity as a creator.

The Rebirth collection was more than just a showcase of fashion- it was the introduction to my new journey in life completing the 20-look collection marked a turning point, and showcasing it at New York fashion week felt like a powerful step forward. Presenting 8 of the looks at Harlem fashion week, held at New York City Museum, was a moment of validation. Winning the Designers Competition and being awarded the Emerging designer award by Misa Hylton herself solidified “Rebirth” as the true beginning of my transformation as a designer. This achievement also opened the door for me to become an apprentice at soharlem, where I had the privilege of working under, Master tailor Henry Smith and Designer Javier Valencia. Their expertise helped me refine my technical garment construction techniques, further shaping my skills and setting the stage for future successes. “Rebirth” was not just a collection; it was he launchpad for the next chapter in my life.

MIAMI NIGHTS Collection

The “ Miami Nights Collection captures the city’s vibrant energy, combining bold colors, dynamic lights, and striking architecture to evoke the inclusion of street art and bright murals add an urban, artistic, flair while the tropical scene bring in a relaxed, beach inspired vibe. Together, the imagery reflects Miami’s unique blend of culture, style, and rhythm, creating a collection that embodies the city’s dynamic spirit and colorful atmosphere.

UNIVERSAL LIGHT

The “Universal Light” collection is a powerful expression of resilience and social justice, inspired by the fight for equality and the urgency for change during events like Gorge Floyd March. This collection uses fashion to make a bold statement about humanity’s collective need to be seen, heard, and protected. Neon colors dominate the designs, symbolizing visibility and safety, much like the bright hues of construction gear. The reflective materials represents light shining through darkness, embodying the enduring strength and spirit of those who seek justice. “Universal Light” is not just a collection of garments-it’s a call for recognition, action, and a tribute to the ongoing struggle for equality for People of Color.

After debuting at Harlem fashion week, The “Universal Light” collection achieved a remarkable milestone, including a feature in Malvie Magazine, a billboard in Times Square, and community fashion shows with community fashion shows with Jobs Plus and Flushing High school students. The collection’s impact continued to grow, eventually leading to a collaboration with fashion giant SHEIN, where the designs reached a global audience through the SHEIN website. These achievements elevated “Universal Light” from a fashion collection toa movement, using style as a platform for social change and empowerment.

SHEIN x IFLYUNIVERSE

The SHEIN x IFLYNUNIVSE collaboration takes inspiration from the “Universal Light” collection, blending bold aesthetics with a message of empowerment. The first collection features vibrant neon colors, color-blocking, and edgy streetwear elements, reflecting themes of visibility and resilience. Building on this foundation, the second collection introduce playful color-blocking in pinks. and purples offering a fresh twist on streetwear with versatile designs for both men and women. Together, these collections make a powerful statement, combining modern style with the spirit of empowerment while reaching a global audience through accessible fashion.

UNIVERSAL LIGHT

The “Goddess collection, inspired by the Egyptian goddess NUT embodies celestial power and elegance. Featuring royal blue and shimmering silver, the designs reflect the night sky, with intricate beading, fringed details, and luxurious fabrics. From fitted dresses to bold jumpsuits, each piece blends modern structure with celestial motifs, symbolizing strength and grace. The collection is a balance of ethereal beauty and bold modernity, perfect for those who want to channel divine power and sophistication

Collection Achievements

The Universal Goddess collection achieved notable success after its debut at the Brooklyn public’s library. It was featured in Amare Magazine's Power Edition, where a photo shoot in California highlighted the versatility and strength of the women who wore the garments. This milestone showcased the collections ability to transcend traditional fashion boundaries, celebrating diversity and empowerment through each design.

POP SMOKE GALA

Follow its success, the universal Goddess collection took center stage at the Pop smoke Gala, where I was honored to create four exclusive looks. I was also specifically chosen to collaborate with Pop Smoke’s Mother (Audrey Jackson) which was deep and meaningful part of the evening, blending fashion with tribute.

For the second Pop Smoke Gala, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Audrey Jackson, where I designed three pairs of pants for her capsule collection, which she released this year. This collaboration marked another exciting moment in blending fashion with personal storytelling.

GOLDEN ERA

My new collection respresents the next chapter of my journey as a designer. Drawing from the skills I’ve honed at FIT, this collection is vibrant, versatile, and designed to be worn in any season, anywhere in the world. Each look combines rich fabrics like black knit, brown suede, and fuchsia pink wool with a dynamic palette, including pastel orange, gold, and a striking black brocade with pink, orange, red, and green details. The striped wool adds a playful yet sophisticated touch. This collection reflects my growth. My evolving vision, and my commitment to telling stories through fashion.