The Her Universe Fashion show descended on San Diego Comic Con for the 11th year, this year with the theme of “Defying Fashion “ and defying your own expectations. Presented by Universal, this year’s show had a “Wicked” experience for the 2500 audience members in attendance.
The show was held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 starting at 6:00 p.m., and was held in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. The event kicked off with a grand entrance of Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, wearing a dress made entirely of paper, that was made from letters sent in by fans saying what “Wicked” meant to them and who is their Glinda or Elphaba. Joined for the third time by high school friend and co-host Micheal James Scott, who sported another outfit made entirely of the paper from fan letters. With emotional words, a duet, and solo performance by Michael James Scott the two set the stage for the show.
The guest judges of the show were Marissa Bode who played Nessarose in Wicked the movie and Variety’s Marc Malkin!
Throughout the show the 25 finalists and/or their models walked the runway showing off their “geek couture” designs to be judged by a panel of judges; and also the audience who got to vote for their favorite design.
With multiple and dazzling designs, including one made entirely of flowers and put together just 24hrs before the show, Ashley and Michael kept the show going and entertaining. Bringing humor and excitement from their long friendship, and talking about their new podcast Hypefriend.
After the traditional audience walk; where audience members are invited onstage to walk the runway while votes are being counted; and another fun performance of 90s songs from Micheal James Scott; two winners were announced:
- Lynleigh Sato – Poppy’s Hues of Happiness (inspired by Dreamworks Trolls)
- Caitlin Beards – Couture of the Dead (Inspired by The Mummy (1999))
Winners receive a $2000 prize and are immediately put to work the next day to start designing a new line for Her Universe.
All the looks worn by Ashley and Michael were designed by former Her Universe winner Andrew MacLaine (2014 Audience winner) and Hannah Kent (2016 Judges’ Winner) assisted in all their design creations.
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