Go Behind the Seams of Ashley Eckstein's Incredible Live Fashion Transformation at the Her Universe Fashion Show
Image: John Salangsang / Shutterstock for Hot Topic
One of the biggest "how did they do that?!" moments of this year's Her Universe Fashion Show is finally getting the behind-the-scenes spotlight it deserves.
Following the spectacular 12th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con, Her Universe has released a brand-new behind-the-scenes video that takes fans inside the creation of Ashley Eckstein's unforgettable opening look—a live fashion transformation that instantly became one of the night's defining moments.
Images: Chelsea Lauren / Shutterstock for Hot Topic
When the show began, Eckstein stepped onto the runway wearing what appeared to be a simple blank white ensemble. Within minutes, artists from Launch Live Art transformed the dress before a captivated, standing-room-only audience, painting and embellishing the garment into a breathtaking piece of DC-inspired couture in real time.
Images: Chelsea Lauren / Shutterstock for Hot Topic; John Salangsang / Shutterstock for Hot Topic
The newly released video captures the collaborative artistry that brought the ambitious concept to life in front of a live pre-show audience, showcasing the meticulous planning, painting, detailing, and teamwork required to pull off one of the Her Universe Fashion Show's most memorable openings ever.
Images: John Salangsang / Shutterstock for Hot Topic
Designed by Andrew MacLaine—the very first Her Universe Fashion Show audience winner—and assisted by Hannah Kent, the couture creation embodied this year's celebration of DC's legendary Super Heroes and Super-Villains while reinforcing one of the event's core messages: fandom is an art form. Keep going to check out the video!
Of course, Ashley's opening transformation was only the beginning. Throughout the evening, she dazzled in three incredible couture looks while co-host Michael James Scott brought Broadway energy to the runway with powerhouse performances and infectious charisma that kept the Harbor Ballroom audience on its feet.
With twenty designers presenting original DC-inspired couture, immersive fan activations, and a standing-room-only crowd, the 12th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show once again proved why it's one of Comic-Con's can't-miss annual traditions.
Images:Chelsea Lauren / Shutterstock for Hot Topic; John Salangsang / Shutterstock for Hot Topic
If you found yourself wondering how Ashley's opening transformation came together—or simply want to relive one of SDCC's most magical fashion moments—the new behind-the-scenes video is absolutely worth watching. Fashion fans who couldn't attend in person won't have to miss out for long. Full footage from the 2026 Her Universe Fashion Show will stream soon on the Her Universe YouTube channel.
