The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show “Defies Fashion” At San Diego Comic-Con In Front Of A Record-Setting Crowd!
Image: Fashion and Fandom
The Her Universe Fashion Show is one of the marquee events at San Diego Comic-Con each year, and the 11th annual showcase truly did not disappoint! This highly anticipated fashion extravaganza invites fans from all over to submit their unique “geek couture fashion” designs for a chance to compete. Winners earn the incredible opportunity to create a special capsule collection for the popular fandom label, in addition to receiving a $2,000 cash prize.
Her Universe teamed up with Universal Pictures to celebrate the blockbuster film, Wicked. Officially dubbed “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations," the show took fans down the yellow brick road to Emerald City kicking off with Her Universe founder, actress and best-selling author, Ashley Eckstein. floating down the runway in front of a record-setting crowd in a sparkling gown modeled after Glinda’s bubble. This incredible piece of couture was made entirely out of paper!!! Yes, you read that right. Designed by Andrew McLaine and Hannah Kent, and crafted from letters submitted by Her Universe fans printed on over 200 pieces of paper and weighting almost 50 pounds. Talk about making an entrance!
Fashion and Fandom
Once again, Ashley was joined by Broadway star, Michael James Scott who arrived in an Elphaba-inspired paper ensemble. The pair treated fashion lovers in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Seaport Ballroom to an evening of Wickedly-fun entertainment including a musical performance from the duo for the first-time ever to kick off the show. Attendees were even treated to a special appearance from Wicked For Good star, Marissa Bode (Nessa), who served as a special guest judge at the event.
Joining Bode as judges for the evening were Marc Malkin from Variety, Hot Topic’s Robin Motts, and last year’s winners Wes Jenkins and Candice Miller. “I came expecting a fashion show; but nothing could have prepared me for this warm, vibrant, and inclusive community,” said Bode. “The very welcoming and creative voices on this runway made this a Wicked-ly memorable evening.”
Images: Fashion and Fandom
Fashion and Fandom was fortunate enough to attend this year’s show again. Upon arrival, we were greeted with and immersive experience before we even entered the ballroom, with a Wicked-themed lobby showcasing all-things Wicked — everything from costumes and props from the film, to life-size LEGO installations and sneak peeks at some of the upcoming Wicked: For Good merchandise. You can check out a recap here. Once we entered the ballroom we were greeted with a Wicked-themed set of goodies, including a Lug pouch, a mystery figure, and several beauty products.
Images: Fashion and Fandom
Throughout the evening, the hosts boasted several gravity defying costume changes, including Shiz University and Emerald City-inspired looks and a jaw-dropping gown designed by McLaine and executed by floral designer, Rochelle Leigh Wall of delightful! Flower co. This one-of-a-kind work of art was inspired by the tulip fields in Wicked, and featured 2,400 fresh tulips complete with a matching floral headpiece and shoes.
Fashion and Fandom
Images: Mark Edwards Photography; Fashion and Fandom; Mark Edwards Photography
Michael James Scott dazzled the fans throughout the evening with his musical numbers, including a jaw-dropping rendition of “Defying Gravity” that brought the house down. But the evening was about the designers, who truly “defied fashion” all night with their incredible creations of “geek couture” with inspiration taken from across the many franchises and properties of Universal Studios .
This year’s Judge’s Winner is California’s Lyleigh Cato (@lynleighsato ) who created a bold and colorful look inspired by the Dreamworks film, Trolls. The Audience Winner is New Jersey’s Caitlin Beards (@ladyavadesigns ), who created a design inspired by 1999’s The Mummy with gorgeous hieroglyph details incorporated into the gown Both were awarded $2,000 and the opportunity to design a collection for Her Universe.
Fashion and Fandom
Image: Mark Edwards Photography
Congratulations to this year’s winners!!! We can’t wait to see what they design for Her Universe. Keep going for a look at each of the designs that competed at the 11th Her Universe Fashion Show. Couldn’t make it to the show? Don’t worry—the full runway show is available now on the Her Universe YouTube Channel. You can also check out our highlight reel because Marena was there! You can check it out here and here!
Make sure you follow Her Universe on social media (@heruniverse on IG, X, Facebook and @officialheruniverse on TikTok) and use hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow for special behind-the-scenes event content. We are already counting the days until next year!
What do you think about this year’s Her Universe Fashion Show? Did you get to check out the show in person? Did you have a favorite design? Let us know in the comments below or over on FACEBOOK or TWITTER!
