The Her Universe Fashion Makes A Triumphant Return to San Diego Comic-Con 2022

Jul 23

Image: Her Universe / Mark Edwards Photography

The Her Universe Fashion Show has been one of the highlights of San Diego Comic-Con since it made its debut in 2014. The annual event gives up-and-coming designers the chance to showcase their geek couture creations on the runway for the chance to design a collection for Hot Topic. After a 3-year absence from in-person shows, Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano) made a triumphant return to the Manchester Grand Ballroom Thursday night in front of a standing-room only crowd.

“And once again, geek couture has invaded San Diego Comic-Con”, Eckstein said as she greeted more than 2,000 cheering fans to kick-off the show. The actress and entrepreneur was joined by drag queen, Nina West who co-hosted the show. With the theme “Coming Home”, the duo opened in custom Wizard of Oz-inspired looks. Eckstein’s deconstructed Dorothy gown was created by 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show audience winner, Andrew MacLaine. West’s bubbly custom Glinda creation was designed by Johnny Wujek and John Thomas.

Eckstein and West led a special dedication to former contestant Miranda Starr Tuttle, who passed away exactly three years before before fans were treated to runway reveals of new Her Universe fashion collections inspired by Star Wars, Marvel, and Outlander. Her Universe and Hot Topic also announced a global Studio Ghibli Harajuku Collective Collection, set to arrive in Japan on August 10.

26 talented designers showcased their incredible creations throughout the show before two winners were selected. The judge’s winner was Cindy Guillermo Hesleton, who won for her Caged look inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red. Mei. Michael Burson was selected as audience winner for his Doctor Strange Hellfire Gala look inspired by Marvel’s Doctor Strange. This year’s winners will get the chance to design a Hot Topic collection inspired by the upcoming MCU film, The Marvels.

Congratulations to this year’s winners, and for the Her Universe team for having Fashion and Fandom at this year’s show!

Marena Bronson is an award-winning journalist, a life-long nerd, and the Editor-in-Chief of Fashion and Fandom. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.