MLS Begins Fashion Play With Capsule Collection

Andrade’s journey as an immigrant from Guatemala informs the project. Below, he details his role and discusses the impact he hopes to have on the world of football.

MUSE: This is MLS’ entry into fashion. Can you talk about what that means to you?

I strive to build meaningful connections between creative practices (such as art, fashion) and play, going beyond fandom and tapping into the essence of personal identity. Football is more than just a sport. It is the way in which individuals express their true selves.

Can you talk about setting up a 424? How does that fit into MLS?

Football has always been a deep inspiration in my work, making my involvement with the League Cup and its goals feel like a natural progression. What started as a retail concept in 2010 has naturally turned into the embodiment of my personal traveling lifestyle brand known as 424. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with partners in the football industry such as Hummel, Adidas, EA FIFA and Arsenal FC. Now, the stars have aligned once again, giving me the opportunity to continue the work I love, making soccer more accessible to everyone.

Can you talk about the design elements of the capsule collection?

I want the merchandise to be special and meaningful, both on and off the pitch. I collaborated with the incredibly talented Antonio Zaragoza, founder of the Liberal Youth Ministry based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Antonio is the first Mexican designer to showcase his creations on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar. The brand has also gained global recognition. To make these exclusive items accessible to fans, a limited edition capsule collection will be made available for buy online, as well as in various pop-up events. Antonio and I will be hosting two of these pop-ups, including one in LA on August 1.

What are your goals with this endeavor?

My goal is to show that there are many different roles in football that go beyond being a professional player. I want to inspire others and emphasize that regardless of the path, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact.

What has made you the happiest so far?

It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to share my story with a wide audience who can really benefit from hearing it. I am keenly aware that my immigrant experience, crossing the desert to pursue a better life in America, is not unique. This humble realization fueled my determination to utilize this platform to showcase and share my work on such a significant scale.