The Her Universe Fashion Show returned to in-person programming during San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) with a standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,000 cheering fans celebrating the theme of “Coming Home.”
Presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic, the event was hosted by actress, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano) as well as special guest co-host, drag icon Nina West. The evening was a colorful return of the critically-acclaimed event known for highlighting inclusivity and empowerment for all.
This year’s show opened with a funny and very heartwarming Wizard of Oz-inspired skit and couture looks with Eckstein dazzling in a deconstructed couture Dorothy look designed by 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show Winner Andrew MacLaine. West shimmered as Glinda in a custom bubbly pink gown by Johnny Wujek and John Thomas.
A special dedication for former contestant Miranda Starr Tuttle, who passed away exactly three years prior, took place at the show. Eckstein and West announced lighting a star lantern above the runway to shine the way for all 2022 designers.
This year’s 8th annual event brought together an all-new group of 26 aspiring designers who presented their original geek couture designs on the runway. This year’s judging panel included the 2021 winning designers Teighlor Johnson, Skyler Barrett, and Vivien Lee as well as industry experts Elena Vrska and Mallory Leveille. The 2021 designer panelists made their special runway debut after winning virtually with their couture designs last year.
Other highlights from the show featured runway reveals of brand-new fashion lines inspired by Outlander, Marvel, and Star Wars, including a very special Ahsoka Tano-themed denim jacket coming soon. Her Universe and Hot Topic also revealed a global Studio Ghibli Harajuku Collective Collection arriving in Japan on August 10th.
Eckstein and West changed into sparkling pink and blue dresses, throwing it back to the iconic film Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, complete with dance moves. It may have been a dance that was lost on younger audiences as the film originally came out in 1997. But crowds cheered and applauded with approval even if they didn’t get the dance references or the movie quote references. It was absolutely adorable! It was unexpected, fun, and a great time had by all!
Additionally, fans were delighted by a surprise guest appearance from the official voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan. Special gifting for all attendees this evening was provided by Lug, the popular lifestyle brand of travel bags and accessories which included conversation cards to shine a light on the importance of mental health.
The hosting duo rounded out the evening in Captain Marvel-themed evening wear, welcoming the audience to have their own special moments walking the runway. Hair and make-up for Eckstein were provided by Veronica Nunez and by Kalyd Odeh for West. They also surprised the 26 competing designers by announcing that the winners would have the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe for leading pop-culture retailer Hot Topic for Marvel Universe’s The Marvels.
This year’s winning designers, who will begin their work starting tomorrow at Comic-Con, are below:
Judges winner – Cindy Guillermo Heselton for her Caged look inspired by Turning Red’s Mei.
Audience winner – Michael Burson for his Doctor Strange Hellfire Gala look inspired by Doctor Strange.
One thing that was incredibly moving is the tradition of having fans walk the runway at the Her Universe Fashion Show. This is something that is done every year, giving the audience their moment to shine. And while most years it is about 50 or so attendees that brave their way down the catwalk, this year’s event drew hundreds of fans to the stage. It was incredible for several reasons. As these fans ran the catwalk, you could see how empowered they felt on their faces.
This is what makes the Her Universe fashion show such an incredible event. Throughout the show, we were treated to introduction videos from each designer. Many of them noted that it was watching the HUFS in previous years that gave them courage and inspiration to apply to be contestants. The HUFS is more intimate than any other event happening this weekend, and in my humble opinion, the most important event at San Diego Comic-Con. Because here, fans are allowed to be a part of the action. They are encouraged to do so.
Despite probably not having enough time to host such a large turnout of fans at the event, they kept going. Ashley Eckstein insisted that each fan who wanted it got their moment on the runway. It was absolutely incredible to see community and fandom drive this event. And Ashley Eckstein is the heart of it all. Her dedication to her community is clear for all to see. She gives back to the community in a way that is organic and passionate. Eckstein is a shining star in the world of geek. We are lucky to have her continue to put on this show for us.
The Her Universe Fashion Show footage will be available online next week exclusively at www.youtube.com/user/HerUniverseChannel.
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Loved this article. I was not only one of the fans in attendance but I was one of the fans who walked the runway and am so happy and surprised to see pictures of me walking the runway here!!