Saturday Morning Cereal Recap:
The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show
at
San Diego Comic-Con 2025
(aka The Year We Officially “Defied Fashion”)
Biggest. Crowd. Ever.
The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Universal, kicked off SDCC in a full-on emerald-glitter explosion with its theme: “Defying Fashion – Fashion That Defies Expectations.” The Seaport Ballroom was packed, making this the largest audience in the show’s history.
Her Universe founder and “friend of the show” Ashley Eckstein summed it up best:
“When we rolled out our very first runway eleven years ago, it was just a small spark of an idea. Tonight, that spark has become a supernova. Watching geek couture explode in this powerhouse of a community—overflowing with creativity, inclusivity, and sheer joy—absolutely takes my breath away.”
Ahsoka Lives in Us All: A Conversation with Ashley Eckstein
— The voice and soul of Ahsoka Tano (and friend of the show) returns for her third appearance to talk all things geek chic at the 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show. We cover the evolution of fandom fashion, Ahsoka’s lasting legacy, and what it means to “Defy Fashion” in a galaxy far, far away — or on the SDCC runway. Whether you walk the light side, dark side, or the catwalk, this one’s for you.
Before the Show Even Started…
Fans walked into a Wicked-themed immersive lobby that felt like stepping into Oz itself — complete with:
- A KISS nail booth
- Screen-used costumes from the film
- LEGO big builds
- Wicked product displays, including first-look merch from Wicked: For Good
- Photo ops for days
Ashley Floats in Like a Bubble Witch
Forget “making an entrance” — Ashley floated onto the runway in a Glinda-inspired remote-controlled moving platform, courtesy of the wizard-level engineers at AOA. The stage transformed into the World of Oz thanks to ALTRD Projections and Barco projectors, and the crowd lost it.
Fashion Meets Broadway
Ashley, joined by her co-host Michael James Scott, donned six jaw-dropping Wicked-inspired looks designed by Andrew McLaine (with assist from Hannah Kent), hair/makeup magic by Veronica Nunez and Leibi Carias.
For the first time ever, the pair performed a live duet medley of Wicked songs — capped off by Scott unleashing a chill-inducing “Defying Gravity” that might have registered on a seismograph.
Guest Judge from Oz Itself
Marissa Bode (Wicked: For Good) joined the judging panel, alongside:
Bode said:
“I came expecting a fashion show; but nothing could have prepared me for this warm, vibrant, and inclusive community. The very welcoming and creative voices on this runway made this a Wicked-ly memorable evening.”
Marc Malkin, Variety’s Senior Culture & Events Editor
- Robin Motts, SVP of Merchandising at Hot Topic
- 2024 show winners Wes Jenkins & Candice Miller
While the Votes Were Counted…
Michael James Scott came back with his “90s Mixtape” medley from A Dream is a Wish — pure musical adrenaline straight to the heart.
A Finale in Full Bloom
Ashley’s final look was literally alive:
- 2,400 fresh tulips
- Designed by Andrew McLaine
- Built on-site by floral artist Rochelle Leigh Wall (delightful! Flower co.)
- Complete with matching floral headpiece and shoes
And the Winners Are…
Two designers are walking away with $2,000 and the chance to design a Her Universe collection:
Judges Winner: Lynleigh Sato, Redondo Beach, CA – @lynleighsato
Audience Winner: Caitlin Beards, Randolph, NJ – @ladyavadesigns
But Wait, Swag!
Every audience member scored:
- An exclusive LUG Coupe XL Crossbody (fan favorite alert )
- Wicked KISS nails & lash extensions
- Wicked: For Good small dolls from Mattel
Watch the Magic
The whole show drops online next week at Her Universe’s YouTube channel.
For behind-the-scenes goodness, follow @heruniverse on IG, X, and Facebook, plus @officialheruniverse on TikTok. Use #HerUniverseFashionShow to join the geek couture lovefest.
Her Universe — founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010 — continues to lead the fandom fashion revolution, designing size-inclusive, quality, fandom-first styles for fans to celebrate what they love.
Wicked: For Good is the epic conclusion to the untold story of the witches of Oz, hitting emotional highs and emerald-laden spectacles everywhere later this year.
