The countdown to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 (SDCC) has officially begun, and with it comes the announcement of one of the convention’s most anticipated traditions. Her Universe has officially revealed the 20 talented designers selected to compete in the 12th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show.
Scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. PT, the event will take over the Harbor Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, the spectacular night is presented in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP).
The Ultimate SDCC Kick-Off and Community Tradition
For over a decade, the Her Universe Fashion Show has served as the unofficial, big kick-off for San Diego Comic-Con’s opening weekend. What started as a groundbreaking runway event has evolved into an absolute fan-favorite staple of the convention.
Beyond the jaw-dropping designs, the show is beloved because it serves as a massive celebration of community. It is a space where fans from all walks of life gather, cheer, and lift each other up. True to the ethos of Her Universe, the pioneering fandom lifestyle brand founded by Eckstein in 2010 to empower women and promote size-inclusive, authentic self-expression, the fashion show is entirely interactive. Audience members aren’t just spectators; they actively participate in the magic, casting their votes alongside an expert panel of judges to crown the night’s winners.
Her Universe Fashion Show 2026 has a Heroic Theme
This year’s runway promises to be legendary, with designers tasked to blend high fashion with the iconic universe of DC. Audiences can expect to see one-of-a-kind, couture creations inspired by world-famous Super Heroes and Super-Villains, including Batman, Superman, Harley Quinn, The Flash, Blue Beetle, the Teen Titans, and more.
A mix of eager newcomers and seasoned returning participants will compete for the ultimate prize. Two winners, one chosen by the judges and one selected by the audience, will each walk away with a $2,000 USD cash prize and the life-changing opportunity to co-design a future fashion collection with Her Universe.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Here are the 20 extraordinary designers preparing to showcase their geek-couture masterworks on the runway:
- Aibrean Glaister (they/them) – First Time Participant | Toronto, Ontario (@raven.glayster)
- Ayana Martin (she/her) – First Time Participant | Maitland, FL (@ayana_destiny)
- Brooke Young (she/her) – First Time Participant | Anaheim, CA (@starlinecosplay)
- Cat Gravereaux (she/her) – Returning Participant (2023, 2024, 2025) | Fort Edward, NY (@kyasarin.cosplay)
- Christine Geiger (she/her) – Returning Participant (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024) | Los Angeles, CA (@geigeruppercut)
- Eden Hite-Ruecker (she/her) – First Time Participant | Encinitas, CA (@edenkillsrockstars)
- Lisa Truong (she/they) – First Time Participant | Corona, CA (@supreme_leader_honeypot)
- Gina Iwata (they/she) – First Time Participant | Sacramento, CA (@pixiegiftfashions)
- Jax Foss (they/he) – First Time Participant | Springfield, PA (@candescent_cosplay)
- Jen Wolff (she/her) – Returning Participant (2025) | Houston, TX (@jwolff501)
- Katherine Everything (they/she) – Returning Participant (2025) | Lancaster, CA (@katherine_everything)
- Katie Strube (she/her) – Returning Participant (2024, 2025) | Kissimmee, FL (@Kstroobzcosplay)
- Ren Wilkinson (she/her) – Returning Participant (2022) | Midlothian, VA (@electricseafoam)
- Maggie Walker (she/her) – First Time Participant | Clovis, CA (@maggiewalker4)
- Mandy McLean Couch (she/her) – Returning Participant (2023, 2024, 2025) | Las Vegas, NV (@defiantly_mandy)
- Marlena Dougherty (she/her) – First Time Participant | Valley Stream, NY (@cobaltcosplay)
- Paige Campbell (she/her) – Returning Participant (2022, 2025) | Ransomville, NY (@quasar__creations)
- Ramon Sosongco (he/him) – First Time Participant | Riverside, CA (@effekted)
- Sean Quinn (she/her) – Returning Participant (2024) | Santa Clarita, CA (@seanquinncosplay)
- Terence Johnson (he/him) – Returning Participant (2023, 2024, 2025) | Van Nuys, CA (@terencebjohnson)
Can’t make it to the Harbor Ballroom in person? Fans worldwide can follow the action and catch exclusive behind-the-scenes content by following @heruniverse on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow.
