Comic-Con 2025 Toucan Tip of the Day
Toucan Tip #20: HER UNIVERSE: Defying Fashion
Get ready for bold designs, unexpected fandom fashion, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the Her Universe Fashion Show continues to defy expectations at Comic-Con® 2025 in San Diego.
Photo by Kelsey Edwards 2015
Her Universe Returns to Comic-Con® 2025 With
Its Most Dazzling Fashion Show Yet!
The Her Universe Fashion Show returns to Comic-Con for its 11th year, once again transforming the runway into a celebration of fandom and fearless creativity. Presented by Universal Pictures, this year’s theme, Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations, invites designers to reimagine what geek couture can be.
On Thursday, July 24, at 6 PM, the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt will host the highly anticipated event, with Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein leading the evening. Between 20 and 25 designers will debut original, fandom-inspired looks, each bringing their passion to life on the runway.
At the end of the show, two winners will be selected: one by an expert panel of judges and one by the audience. Both will receive a $2,000 prize and may earn the opportunity to design an exclusive collection with Her Universe. With bold designs, incredible talent, and its signature community spirit, the Her Universe Fashion Show remains a Comic-Con favorite.
DATE
Thursday, July 24
Time
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location
Seaport Ballroom
Manchester Grand Hyatt
WRISTBAND DISTRIBUTION TIME: Starts at 10:00 AM*
* Wristbands will be distributed first-come, first-served starting at 10:00 AM PDT. Early lineups are not managed or endorsed. Her Universe may adjust timing or line management as needed.
An Exclusive Conversation with Her Universe Founder Ashley Eckstein
Before the designers hit the runway, we caught up with Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein to talk about this year’s theme, what goes into creating her show-stopping looks, and why the fashion show continues to inspire fans year after year.
Q: The opening look you wear is always highly anticipated. Can you talk about what goes into creating that moment and why it matters to you?
A: Every year is a new challenge with the opening looks for The Her Universe Fashion Show. We start by connecting with our sponsor and we align on a theme. Once we have a theme for the show, the ideating can begin! This year’s sponsor is Universal and we are really leaning into Wicked! The theme for this year’s show is “Defying Fashion” and we were really excited to think beyond the traditional rules and limits when it comes to creating our looks! Geek Couture is all about telling a story with your fashion and this year is no exception. I am having so much fun dreaming up this year’s show with our amazing Her Universe Fashion Show team!
Q: Over the years, the show has featured so many unforgettable looks. Is there a particular design or moment that has stuck with you?
A: I’ve had so many dream designs on my fashion bucket list and I’m pleased to say that I’ve achieved most of them! My LEGO couture dress by renowned LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya, my bendable OLED screen dress by Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph and Disney Producer John Gleim, and my Projection Mapping Barbie through the decades design by AOA, Live Everyday Productions and Altrd Productions are standouts to me. Of course all of these looks were not possible without my genius Fashion designer, Andrew MacLaine by my side. He’s worked with every expert to translate these unexpected materials into something wearable. There’s no challenge that Andrew hasn’t been able to figure out!
Q: Is there anything you would like us to tease or spotlight in our blog that fans might not see in the official panel description?
A: The Her Universe Fashion Show is fun for all ages! Also, the audience will help choose a winner, so the show is interactive and the audience plays a very important role!
Q: What do you look for when selecting designers to compete in the show, and what advice would you give to hopeful applicants?
A: When selecting designers to compete in the show, we make sure that they have the ability to make the look that they submit. We ask to see examples of past work or for a video that explains how they are going to construct their design. I would say that the biggest misconception about our show is that you need to have a ton of experience in fashion design to be selected and that’s just not true! We’ve had designers that are fairly new and we’ve had many winners who just do fashion design as a hobby, and not for the professional career! Anyone can enter and anyone can compete! All you need is a good design and the ability to bring that design to life on the runway at San Diego Comic-Con.
Q: The Her Universe Fashion Show has become a must-see event at Comic-Con. What do you think makes it such a special experience for both fans and designers?
A: It was always my dream that The Her Universe Fashion Show would become a “must-see” event at Comic-Con! At its core, it’s about community and celebrating fandom in a positive, uplifting and empowering way. Everyone is welcome, everyone is seen and everyone is celebrated. You truly don’t need to know anything about fashion to attend. It’s a feel-good event and it really is the BEST way to kick-off San Diego Comic Con!
Q: Her Universe has always been about empowering fans to express themselves through fashion. How have you seen that mission grow or evolve since the show first started?
A: From the beginning, our designs were always a means to make fans feel more comfortable to showcase their fandom. To me, fashion is like your armor for the day. Your armor should make you feel good and confident to face the world! It’s never really been about the design itself, it’s always been about evoking confidence in the wearer! My number one fashion rule is that you can wear anything as long as you have confidence!
Bookmark Toucan for the latest Toucan Tips as we zip towards Comic-Con 2025, July 24–27 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Even more is headed your way, so follow Comic-Con on Instagram, Facebook, and X to keep an eye on upcoming announcements and insider tips as the show gets closer.