In an exciting announcement for Comic-Con 2024, Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the Star Wars animated series, and Broadway sensation Michael James Scott (Aladdin, The Book of Mormon) will co-host the highly anticipated Her Universe Fashion Show. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the celebrated event, which will take place on Thursday, July 25, at 6 p.m. in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel San Diego.
Celebrating a Decade of Geek Couture
The Her Universe Fashion Show has become a staple of San Diego Comic-Con, known for its dazzling display of “geek couture” and its ability to merge the worlds of fandom and high fashion. Founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010, Her Universe is a fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to providing stylish, fandom-centric, and size-inclusive merchandise. The brand aims to create a community where fans, especially women, can express their love for their favorite franchises through fashion.
“It’s truly surreal that we’re celebrating a decade of the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con,” said Eckstein. “What started out as something that seemed like an oxymoron to most, a couture fashion show at Comic-Con, is now the sellout event that kicks off the whole weekend! I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has made our fashion show one of the highlights of SDCC — especially our fans and our incredible community of designers.”
A Star-Studded Hosting Duo
Ashley Eckstein, beloved by Star Wars fans for her portrayal of Ahsoka Tano, brings her unique charm and fandom expertise to the event. Her co-host, Michael James Scott, renowned for his Broadway performances, adds a touch of theatrical flair. Reflecting on last year’s show, Scott said, “Last year’s Her Universe Fashion Show was a mind-blowing evening filled with an electric energy I will never forget. I’m thrilled to return alongside Ashley — we truly are a dynamic duo — like Batman and Robin but with more sequins and sass. Get ready, San Diego! We’re going to unleash a whirlwind of the most fabulous fan fashion Comic-Con has ever seen.”
Geek Couture Takes Center Stage
The fashion show will feature “geek couture looks” from 25 talented designers, each vying for a chance to design a special fashion collection with Her Universe. This year’s competition is fierce, with the audience selecting one winner and an expert panel of judges choosing another. The judging panel includes:
- Rachel Petterson and Raeven K, 2023 winning designers
- Robin Motts, Senior VP of Hot Topic Merchandising
- Vivienne Medrano, creator of Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss
- Robert Best, VP of Barbie Product Design at Mattel
Adding to the excitement, Eckstein is set to open the fashion show with an “awe-inspiring couture look.” The show promises to deliver stunning geek couture fashion, jaw-dropping performances, and unforgettable surprises.
Mattel Joins the Celebration
This year’s show is presented by Mattel, a collaboration that has sparked immense creativity. Eckstein shared her enthusiasm: “This year’s show will be presented by Mattel, and as a lifelong fan, I’m getting to play with all of my favorite toys and turn them into fashion. We’re having so much fun working with some of Mattel’s iconic brands.”
A Look Back at Her Universe’s Impact
Since its inception, Her Universe has been at the forefront of merging fandom and fashion, offering unique apparel that resonates with fans of all ages. The brand’s impact is evident in its ability to host a fashion show that not only celebrates geek culture but also provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase their talent.
The Her Universe Fashion Show has grown from a niche event into a major highlight of San Diego Comic-Con, drawing attention from both the fashion industry and the geek community. Over the past decade, the show has featured a wide array of designs inspired by various fandoms, from Star Wars and Marvel to Disney and anime. This blend of pop culture and high fashion has created a unique space where creativity and fandom intersect.
The Excitement Builds
With the 10th anniversary show just around the corner, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike are eager to see what innovative and spectacular designs will hit the runway this year. As always, the event is expected to sell out, underscoring its popularity and the passionate community it has cultivated.
Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott’s dynamic hosting, coupled with the participation of esteemed judges and talented designers, ensures that this year’s Her Universe Fashion Show will be a memorable celebration of creativity, fandom, and fashion.
Stay tuned for more details as the countdown to Comic-Con 2024 continues. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of geek couture, the Her Universe Fashion Show promises an evening of stunning designs, electric energy, and unforgettable moments.
