The ultimate celebration of fandom, fashion, and creativity is back, cementing its status as a massive fan favorite and the absolute heart of the geek community at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Widely regarded as one of the most community-focused events of the entire convention, The 12th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has officially revealed its powerhouse judging panel for 2026.
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Inspired exclusively by DC, the competition challenges 20 final designers to transform iconic Super Heroes, Super-Villains, and legendary comic stories into jaw-dropping, high-fashion couture. The runway comes alive on Thursday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m. PT in the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Harbor Ballroom.
Meet the Her Universe Fashion Show 2026 Judging Panel
To evaluate this year’s one-of-a-kind DC-inspired creations, Her Universe has assembled an elite lineup of industry experts spanning entertainment media, professional design, and community culture:
- Marc Malkin: The award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist and Variety’s Senior Editor of Culture and Events returns to the panel following his 2025 appearance, bringing over three decades of Hollywood red-carpet expertise.
- Symantha Perrera: As the Fashion Design Director for BoxLunch, Her Universe, and Wholesale, Perrera bridges the gap between high fashion and mass production, specializing in apparel that connects fans to the stories they love.
- Frankey Smith (“Fantastic Frankey”): The dynamic co-host of the official video podcast DC Studios Showcase. Known for interviewing powerhouse talent like James Gunn, Jim Lee, and Milly Alcock, Smith brings an unmatched authenticity and deep knowledge of the DC universe to the table.
- Lynleigh Sato & Caitlin Beards: In a poetic full-circle moment, the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show winners—Sato (Judges’ Winner) and Beards (Audience Winner)—will transition from the runway to the judges’ table, offering invaluable first-hand insight into what it takes to win.
“The Her Universe Fashion Show has always been about celebrating the creativity and passion of fans, and this year’s DC theme takes that celebration to an entirely new level,” said Jillian Wendt, VP of Marketing for Her Universe and BoxLunch. “Marc, Symantha and Frankey each bring a unique perspective that represents the very best of entertainment, fashion and fandom, while Lynleigh and Caitlin offer invaluable insight as past winners.”
Big Event and Big Prizes
The Her Universe Fashion Show is famously unique for its community-first approach to crowning champions. Two winners will be selected at the end of the night: one chosen by the expert judging panel, and one chosen entirely by the audience fan vote.
Aside from ultimate bragging rights in the geek fashion community, both winners will receive:
- A cash prize of $2,000 USD
- The life-changing opportunity to design an official fashion collection with Her Universe.
Follow the Action
For over a decade, Her Universe, founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010, has stood as a groundbreaking force for size-inclusive, stylish, and authentic fandom merchandise. Partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products for this DC-exclusive night promises to deliver one of the most memorable highlights of SDCC 2026.
If you aren’t lucky enough to nab a seat in the Harbor Ballroom, you can still catch the magic. Fans are encouraged to follow Her Universe on social media (@heruniverse on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok) and use the hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, designer sneak peeks, and runway reveals.
