Every year, I hear people talk about the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con like it’s the crown jewel of the con experience. This year, I finally got to see it for myself—and wow, I get it now. Magical doesn’t even begin to cover it.
The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Universal, packed out the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt with a record-breaking audience and one very clear theme: “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations.” And trust me, expectations were not only defied, they were absolutely shattered.
From the moment we stepped into the Wicked-themed immersive lobby, it was like stepping into Oz. We’re talking full photo ops, dazzling costumes from the film, LEGO big builds, and even a KISS nail booth for fans who wanted to add some extra sparkle before the show. The whole space set the tone for a night where geek couture reigned supreme.
And then came the entrance. Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, made one of the most jaw-dropping entrances I’ve ever seen at a Comic-Con event. She literally floated down the runway in a fantastical Glinda-inspired bubble, engineered by special effects sponsor AOA, while the stage around her transformed into the World of Oz thanks to breathtaking motion graphics.
Ashley, alongside co-host Michael James Scott (yes, that Michael James Scott from Broadway’s Aladdin), donned six stunning Wicked-inspired looks designed by Andrew McLaine and Hannah Kent. The duo even broke new ground by performing a live Wicked medley right there on the runway. Michael closed the set with a goosebump-worthy rendition of “Defying Gravity” that had the entire ballroom on its feet.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get more special, actress and advocate Marissa Bode (who stars in Wicked: For Good) joined as a guest judge, adding to an already powerhouse panel.
The fashion itself? Out of this world. Geek couture hit the runway in full force, and two designers emerged victorious:
- Judges Winner: Lynleigh Sato (@lynleighsato) from Redondo Beach, CA
- Audience Winner: Caitlin Beards (@ladyavadesigns) from Randolph, NJ
Both will now get the chance to design a future collection with Her Universe—dreams do come true in Oz.
And let’s talk about the swag, because honestly? Best SDCC swag ever. Every single audience member walked away with the exclusive LUG Coupe XL Crossbody (practical and geek-chic), Wicked KISS nail and lash extensions, and Mattel’s newly released Wicked: For Good small dolls. No wonder people say this event is all the rave—this was the kind of swag bag that will go down in Comic-Con history.
For the finale, Ashley appeared in a literal living work of art: a tulip field-inspired gown featuring 2,400 fresh tulips, designed by Andrew McLaine and brought to life by floral artist Rochelle Leigh Wall. The dress was so fresh, it had to be assembled on-site that day. The gasps around the ballroom said it all.
Walking out of the Seaport Ballroom, I realized why people call the Her Universe Fashion Show one of the most magical experiences at San Diego Comic-Con. It’s not just a fashion show—it’s a celebration of fandom, creativity, inclusivity, and pure joy. For me, attending for the first time felt like stepping into a tradition that’s bigger than the runway—it’s a community. And after this year, I’m officially hooked.
No wonder it’s all the rave.
✨ The Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 = just as magical as everyone promised. ✨
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