The Her Universe Fashion Show Returns To San Diego Comic-Con 2025 With A “Wicked” Inspired Theme (UPDATE June 30)

Written By Marena Bronson

Image: Her Universe

If you’re a fan of fandom fashion you know The Her Universe Fashion Show is one of the marquee events during San Diego Comic-Con weekend each year. Her Universe is returning to San Diego in July for the 11th annual geek couture fashion competition, and this year it’s partnering with Universal Pictures for an event that’s expected to be bigger an better than ever!

The theme of this year’s show is “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations,” inspired by the Wicked films. Designers from around the country will have a chance to showcase their one-of-a-kind designs on the runway of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel at 6 p.m. July 24, all for a chance to create a special fashion collection for Her Universe. Once again, the audience will help choose one of the winners, along with an expert panel of judges. Returning partners include AOA as the show’s special effects sponsor and fan-favorite brand Lug as the official bag sponsor. 

Image: Her Universe/Mark Edwards

Actress, entrepreneur, author, and Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein will return as host of the 2025 show. “This is going to be our most AMAZAFYING show yet!” Eckstein said. “It is a dream come true to have Universal as our sponsor for this year’s event! After experiencing the first Wicked film in IMAX, I was so inspired both creatively and emotionally. I cannot wait to defy fashion on the runway at San Diego Comic-Con!”

Image: Her Universe/Mark Edwards

With less than a month away until this year’s show, Her Universe announced the 25 designers selected to showcase their one-of-a-kind creations on runway of the Seaport Ballroom in the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This year’s finalists include both returning designers and newcomers who submitted looks inspired across Universal Pictures franchises including Wicked, Jurassic World and Universal Monsters as well as DreamWorks Animation franchises such as How To Train Your Dragon and Trolls.

Here’s a look at this year’s finalists:

  • Aaliyah Frye (she/her) Returning Participant (2018)

  • Caitlin Beards (she/her) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

  • Cat Gravereaux (she/her) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

  • Catherine Hart (she/her) First Time Participant

    • Hometown: Glendale, CA

  • Emma Joy (she/her) Returning Participant (2024)

  • Ericka Angiuli (she/her) Returning Participant (2018)

  • Grace Meeks (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Jennifer Biladeau (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Jen Wolff (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Katherine Everything (they/she) First Time Participant

  • Katie Strube (she/her) Returning Participant (2023)

  • Kayleigh Michelle (she/her) Returning Participant (2023)

  • Kiki Cotter (they/them) First Time Participant

    • Hometown: Roseville, MN

    • Social: N/A

  • Leah Mednick (she/her) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

  • Lynleigh Sato (she/her) Returning Participant (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024)

  • Mandy McLean Couch (she/her) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

  • Margaret Kidwell (she/her) Returning Participant (2024)

  • Megg Waddington (she/her) Returning Participant (2023)

  • Melissa Lynette (she/her) Returning Participant (2023)

  • Meredith Heika (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Paige Campbell (she/her) Returning Participant (2023)

  • Prue (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Samantha Strickland (she/her) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

  • Steph Piper (she/her) First Time Participant

  • Terence Johnson (he/him) Returning Participant (2023, 2024)

Image: Her Universe

If you’re planning on attending the 11th annual show, wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10am PT — and attendees may begin to line up earlier, but Her Universe does not endorse or manage any unofficial lines prior to that time. Wristband distribution will take place at the Seaport Ballroom Foyer of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Doors open at 5pm unless otherwise noted, and attendees will be admitted in groups. When receiving wristbands, audience members will be told their group and exact return time for seating. The show will begin promptly at 6pm PT and last approximately two hours. Late arrivals, even with wristbands, may not be accommodated.

The event is open to all, badges are not required.

Stay tuned to Fashion and Fandom for more information on the 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show. Don’t forget to follow Her Universe on social media (@heruniverse on IG, X, Facebook and @officialheruniverse on TikTok) and use the hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow for special behind-the-scenes event content.

Will you be attending the 11th annual Her Universe Fashion Show? Do you plan to walk the runway during intermission? Do you have a favorite Her Universe Fashion Show memory? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

Marena Bronson is an award-winning journalist, a life-long nerd, and the Editor-in-Chief of Fashion and Fandom. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Marena Bronson
Previous

A Doctor Who Exhibit Arrives At The San Diego Comic-Con Museum
Next

Everything New Heading To Disney+ In April 2025