The most anticipated event in geek fashion returns Friday, July 23, as part of Comic-Con@Home. For the first time, the Her Universe Fashion Show will be presented virtually. This means one of Comic-Con’s most exclusive events will be accessible to everyone. The show will be available to stream at 5 p.m. PST via a link on the Comic-Con@Home schedule.
The fashion show’s virtual format will also allow the general public to vote for the audience winner. The judges’ picks will be announced Friday during the show. Viewers will then have 48 hours to vote for their favorite designer to win the audience award.
As always, geek fashion legend Ashley Eckstein will host the event. Eckstein founded geek fashion brand Her Universe and is known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. This year’s judges are 2019 Judges’ Winner Adria Renee, 2019 Audience Winner Sarah Hambly, and Hot Topic Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Ed LaBay.
New virtual format
The new HUFS format comes as a concession to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, it promises to add an exciting and novel element to the proceedings. This year, the field of competing designers wasn’t limited to those able to travel to San Diego to participate.
“You’re not limited by anything or being anywhere,” Hambly said earlier this year, during a WonderCon@Home virtual panel.
“This gives everyone the opportunity to participate,” Eckstein agreed.
“2020 has been such a tough year on so many people and it’s going to be awhile before everyone is going to be able to come back out and come together at a convention. It’s gonna be different for everyone. We really, really wanted to provide an opportunity where everyone had the opportunity to participate.”
Last year’s show cancelled
Last year, the fashion show was cancelled due to Covid-19, along with host event San Diego Comic-Con. “We were so sad we could not have the Her Universe Fashion Show, but there was no way to do it safely,” Eckstein said.
“We start planning … in January, so in order to make sure we could bring you the show this year, we had to make the decision to bring the show to you virtually.”
Launched eight years ago by Eckstein and Her Universe, the show has become synonymous with geek couture, giving many aspiring designers their first big break.
2019 Her Universe Fashion Show
The theme of the 2019 show was “The Power of Fashion,” presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and DreamWorks’ Animation’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Eckstein opened the show by strutting down the runway in a transforming She-Ra-inspired gown. The stunning dress was designed by 2014 winner Andrew MacLaine. It also featured accessories by designer Harmony Leiker.
The 2019 show marked the debut of a Haunted Mansion Fashion Collection by Her Universe in honor of the Disneyland attraction’s 50th anniversary. Eckstein celebrated by modeling a custom couture pantsuit inspired by the iconic Haunted Mansion wallpaper. The outfit was designed by 2015 winner Leetal Platt.
Renee and Hambly won the show’s top prizes for their crowd-pleasing Jurassic Park and Loki-themed designs. As part of the prize, they were offered the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe for Hot Topic.
“Honestly, it was a life-changing moment,” Hambly said.
More details
For more information about HUFS, visit the website. Comic-Con@Home will run from July 23 to 25. For more details, click here.
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For more about the Her Universe Fashion Show, check out:
Her Universe Fashion Show’s Ashley Eckstein Talks About Virtual Event
Photos from the 2019 Her Universe Fashion Show
The Her Universe Fashion Show At SDCC With “The Power of Fashion”
All 24 Designs From The 2018 Her Universe Fashion Show
