Convention - SDCC 2025 : Her Universe Fashion Show to Defy Expectations with Defying Fashion Theme

By Mulder, 19 march 2025

The much-loved Her Universe Fashion Show is set to return to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) for its 11th annual installment, offering an evening filled with bold, geek-inspired couture fashion. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. PT, the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel will transform into a runway of creativity and style, as Universal Pictures sponsors this year’s highly anticipated event. The fashion show promises to be bigger and more spectacular than ever, with the theme Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations.

Ashley Eckstein, the founder of Her Universe and beloved host of the event, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s show, calling it the most AMAZAFYING show yet. Eckstein’s passion for fashion and fandom has always been at the heart of the Her Universe brand, which strives to create stylish, size-inclusive apparel for women that celebrates their love for pop culture. Eckstein, a well-known voice in the geek fashion community, has been an integral part of this groundbreaking event since its inception.

This year’s show is particularly special, as it coincides with the upcoming Wicked film, which is set to be a major cultural phenomenon. Universal Pictures, the studio behind the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical, is sponsoring the event to celebrate the film’s release. Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin, and Glinda, a privileged young woman, as they form an unlikely friendship. The film’s themes of empowerment, sisterhood, and personal growth resonate deeply with the values of Her Universe, making this partnership a perfect match.

The story of Wicked is one of empowerment and equality, which is something Her Universe has championed since day one, said Melissa Rodriguez, VP of Global Franchise Strategy for Universal Products & Experiences. We are so excited to see how designers interpret the theme of 'Defying Fashion' and to witness the creativity of the fandom community.

The 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show will feature talented designers from all over the country, each competing for the coveted opportunity to design a collection with Her Universe. The competition promises to bring forward some of the most innovative and imaginative fashion creations yet, with designers tasked with blending geek culture with high-fashion elements to create something truly unique. Fans in the audience will have the chance to help choose one of the winners, alongside a panel of esteemed industry judges.

For those interested in submitting their own designs, the submission portal will open on March 28, 2025, and will close on April 28, 2025. Aspiring designers can visit the official Her Universe website for submission guidelines and official rules. This is an exciting opportunity for creatives looking to make their mark in the geek fashion world.

Fans can also follow Her Universe on social media (@heruniverse on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok) to get exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates on the event. The hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow will be used to share special content leading up to and during the show. For those in the media, press credentials for the event can be requested by completing a credential request form by July 10, 2025. Further information on press check-ins and event access will be provided upon confirmation.

Her Universe, founded in 2010 by Ashley Eckstein, has become a pioneering force in the fandom fashion world. The brand has consistently championed diversity and inclusion, creating stylish and affordable merchandise that allows fans to express their love for their favorite franchises. The Her Universe Fashion Show, which started as a small, fan-driven event, has grown into one of SDCC's most anticipated annual highlights, setting the stage for a celebration of creativity, fashion, and fandom.

The 2025 show is shaping up to be an unforgettable night, as designers, fans, and industry professionals come together to celebrate the intersection of fashion and pop culture. With Wicked at the center of this year’s theme, Defying Fashion, the Her Universe Fashion Show is poised to be an event that not only showcases incredible talent but also celebrates the powerful, empowering themes of one of the year’s most highly anticipated films. For more details on the event, designer submissions, and to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, visit Her Universe’s official website at heruniverse.com.

(Source : press release)