Today it was announced on social media that the Her Universe Fashion Show will return in 2023 and that this year it will be Presented by Disney and HotTopic!
Her Universe Fashion Show
Taking place during San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC), The Her Universe Fashion Show is the epicenter of the fandom community and “geek couture.” Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, Founder of Her Universe, 20-25 pre-selected amateur designers ages 18+ will create one-of-a-kind/not-for-resale couture designs, inspired by anything that is celebrated at SDCC. By the end of the night, two winners are chosen by the audience, and an expert panel of judges and awarded the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe for Hot Topic, in Celebration of Disney’s 100 anniversary.
Her Universe Fashion Show 2023 Submissions
Up to 25 designers will be chosen to participate in The Her Universe Fashion Show 2023 in San Diego, CA. Design submissions will open on March 20, 2023, and ends on April 28, 2023. Showrunners are asking that the 2023 designs are requested to be inspired by anything that is celebrated within The Walt Disney Company family of properties.
Submissions must be “Geek Couture” fashion, not a costume, and can be based on anything that is celebrated within The Walt Disney Company family of properties. Those included anything from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars™ & Lucasfilm Ltd., 20th Century, and National Geographic.
Submissions will be accepted beginning March 20, 2023, through April 28, 2023. To learn more about submitting a design for the 2023 show, visit the link to their website.
What we love about the Her Universe Fashion Show
Last summer the Her Universe Fashion Show returned to in-person programming with a standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,000 cheering fans celebrating the theme of “Coming Home.” It has been on a pandemic-related hiatus and the excitement of returning to in-person events was electrifying.
What makes the Her Universe fashion show such an incredible event is the feeling, the notion, that fans get to actively participate in the celebration and not just consume. Seeing mature designers walk on stage and show the world their creativity and talent is inspiring. To see ordinary fans make dreams come true just by showcasing their love of fandom is absolutely incredible. 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 the courage and inspiration to apply to be contestants.
And although HUFS is one of the largest events put on outside of Hall H, it somehow feels 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.
Fans are encouraged to Participate
Another way in which the HUFS is special is that attendees of the event are encouraged to walk the runway. Towards the end of the night, as judges deliberate on the winners, fans are welcomed on stage to walk the runway.
Usually, you get a group of maybe 50-60 attendees that have the courage to get on stage and walk the runway. However, in 2022 it was hundreds of fans who got up to walk the runway. Despite not having enough time to host such a large turnout of fans on the stage, Ashley Eckstein insisted that each fan who wanted it got their moment on the runway, did.
It was absolutely incredibly moving to see community and fandom reactions to this event. In the faces of those fans, you could see how empowered they felt. Many of them had never done anything like that before.
Ashley Eckstein’s 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.
Everything from the Her Universe Fashion Show 2022
Designers tie for top prize at Her Universe Fashion Show
Photos from the 2019 Her Universe Fashion Show
All 24 Designs From The 2018 Her Universe Fashion Show
Jodie Whittaker Surprises Fans at the Her Universe Fashion Show!
