The Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Defied Fashion at San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con is known for blockbuster movie announcements, celebrity panels, and exclusive collectibles, but before the convention floor opened and Hall H crowds gathered, one of the convention’s most anticipated annual traditions once again proved that fandom can be just as breathtaking on the runway as it is on the big screen.

The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal returned on Thursday, July 24, transforming the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt into a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and geek couture. This year’s theme, “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations,” challenged 25 talented designers from across the United States to create original couture inspired by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation franchises, while paying tribute to the spirit of Wicked and the upcoming film Wicked: For Good.

For fans attending San Diego Comic-Con, the event has become much more than a fashion competition. It has evolved into one of Comic-Con’s signature experiences—a showcase where craftsmanship, storytelling, cosplay, and haute couture collide.

A New Home for an Ever-Growing Tradition

This year’s fashion show welcomed its largest audience in the event’s eleven-year history, prompting a move to the expansive Seaport Ballroom inside the Manchester Grand Hyatt.

Long before the lights dimmed, thousands of fans lined up outside the ballroom, eager to secure a seat for an evening that has become synonymous with Comic-Con itself. The excitement extended beyond the runway, as attendees explored an immersive Wicked-themed lobby featuring elaborate displays, costumes from the film, product showcases, LEGO builds, photo opportunities, and interactive booths celebrating Universal’s beloved franchises.

The venue itself was transformed into the Emerald City, with vibrant green and pink lighting washing over the runway while massive LED displays immersed the audience in the magical world of Oz.

Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott Deliver a Spectacular Opening

Returning for their third consecutive year as co-hosts, Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe and the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars, teamed once again with Broadway performer Michael James Scott, best known for playing the Genie in Disney’s Broadway production of Aladdin.

The pair immediately energized the audience with their infectious enthusiasm before delivering one of the most ambitious openings in Her Universe Fashion Show history.

Ashley Eckstein made perhaps her most memorable entrance yet, floating down the runway aboard a remote-controlled platform inspired by Glinda’s iconic bubble from Wicked. The magical effect was brought to life through elaborate stage projections, dynamic lighting, and stunning visual effects that instantly transported attendees into the Land of Oz.

Throughout the evening, Eckstein showcased six elaborate Wicked-inspired couture ensembles designed by Andrew McLaine, each more elaborate than the last.

Michael James Scott matched the energy with his unmistakable charisma, helping transform what could have been a traditional fashion show into a full-scale theatrical production.

More Than Fashion—A Celebration of Fandom

While the evening centered on fashion, storytelling remained at the heart of every design.

The competition invited designers to reinterpret characters, creatures, and cinematic worlds through couture rather than cosplay. The result was a collection of wearable works of art inspired by franchises spanning generations of Universal storytelling.

From Jurassic World to How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls, Wicked, and the legendary Universal Monsters, every look reflected countless hours of craftsmanship while remaining unmistakably rooted in fandom.

Each designer had only minutes to tell an entire story as their creation made its way down the runway.

Universal Monsters Stole the Spotlight

Among the evening’s most striking creations were several breathtaking designs inspired by Universal’s legendary monster films.

Electric Love

Designer: Ericka Angiuli

Inspired by Bride of Frankenstein, Electric Love featured dramatic bridal silhouettes intertwined with glowing green electrical details that evoked the monster’s unforgettable creation scene. Elegant corsetry, flowing fabrics, and lightning-inspired accents transformed one of horror’s most iconic characters into a stunning couture gown that balanced gothic elegance with classic Hollywood glamour.

Candlelit Couture

Designer: Prue

Drawing inspiration from the 1943 classic Phantom of the Opera, Candlelit Couture embraced timeless sophistication with vintage styling reminiscent of old Hollywood. Rich textures, dramatic accessories, and refined monochromatic tones created a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Universal’s beloved adaptation.

In Bloody Matrimony

Designer: Paige Campbell

Inspired by Dracula, Paige Campbell delivered an unforgettable crimson masterpiece that captured both romance and horror. The flowing gown featured intricate blood-red detailing contrasted against lighter fabric elements, blending gothic elegance with bridal fashion in a way that honored one of cinema’s most influential vampires.

Twenty-Five Designers, Countless Hours of Craftsmanship

This year’s finalists represented designers from across the country, with both returning competitors and first-time participants taking the stage.

Returning favorites such as Caitlin Beards, Lynleigh Sato, Leah Mednick, Samantha Strickland, Mandy McLean Couch, Paige Campbell, Terence Johnson, and Ericka Angiuli competed alongside newcomers eager to leave their mark on one of fandom’s biggest fashion stages.

Every piece was completely original, showcasing techniques ranging from embroidery and sculptural construction to hand painting, LED lighting, specialty fabrics, foam work, and custom fabrication.

The diversity of inspirations—and the creativity behind each interpretation—demonstrated why the Her Universe Fashion Show continues to attract some of the most talented independent designers in fandom.

Celebrity Judges Bring Industry Expertise

Selecting just two winners from such an impressive lineup was no easy task.

The judging panel featured actress and disability rights advocate Marissa Bode, who portrayed Nessarose in Wicked and will reprise the role in Wicked: For Good.

Joining her were:

• Marc Malkin, Variety Senior Culture & Events Editor
• Robin Motts, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Hot Topic
• 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Wes Jenkins and Candice Miller

Together, the panel evaluated each design based on originality, craftsmanship, presentation, and interpretation of the theme.

A Musical Celebration of Wicked

Fashion wasn’t the evening’s only attraction.

Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott surprised audiences by performing a medley of songs from Wicked, bringing Broadway directly to Comic-Con.

Later, while judges finalized their decisions, Scott returned to the stage with an energetic “90s Mixtape” performance from his solo symphonic concert, keeping the audience entertained during deliberations.

The performances reinforced that the Her Universe Fashion Show has become far more than a runway event—it has evolved into a full theatrical production celebrating fandom from every angle.

---

And the Winners Are…

After another incredibly competitive year, two designers emerged victorious.

Judges’ Winner

Lynleigh Sato
Redondo Beach, California

---

Audience Choice Winner

Caitlin Beards
Randolph, New Jersey

Both winners received a $2,000 cash prize and the opportunity to collaborate with Her Universe on a future fashion collection.

More Than a Competition

Since its debut in 2014, the Her Universe Fashion Show has become one of San Diego Comic-Con’s defining traditions.

What started as an opportunity to showcase geek-inspired fashion has grown into a platform where independent artists can launch careers, celebrate fandom, and inspire future generations of designers.

Ashley Eckstein’s original vision of creating a welcoming, inclusive community for fans continues to resonate more than a decade later. Looking around the packed ballroom, it was impossible not to notice the diversity of attendees, the enthusiasm of the crowd, and the overwhelming support shown for every designer who stepped onto the runway.

No matter which franchise inspired their work, every participant shared one common goal—to celebrate the stories that shaped them through the universal language of creativity.

As Comic-Con continues to evolve, the Her Universe Fashion Show remains a reminder that some of fandom’s greatest moments don’t happen in movie trailers or panel announcements—they happen when imagination becomes something you can wear.

And judging by the record-breaking crowd that filled the ballroom this year, geek couture has never looked brighter.

Event Information

Event: The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal

Theme: Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations

Date: July 24, 2025

Location: Seaport Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego

Hosts: Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott

Guest Judge: Marissa Bode

Judges: Marc Malkin, Robin Motts, Wes Jenkins, Candice Miller

Designers: 25 finalists from across the United States

Judges’ Winner: Lynleigh Sato

Audience Winner: Caitlin Beards

Editor’s Note: Up Your Geek attended the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show as credentialed press during San Diego Comic-Con. Unless otherwise noted, all event photography in this article was captured by Lou Booker for Up Your Geek. Designer portrait images are credited to Mark Edwards Photography.