Convention - SDCC 2025 : Her Universe Fashion Show 2025: A Fandom Couture Spectacle Poised to Dazzle San Diego Comic- Largest Audience Yet

By Mulder, 30 june 2025

With its vibrant history and loyal following, the Her Universe Fashion Show has become one of San Diego Comic-Con’s most anticipated and celebratory events, and the 2025 edition promises to be the most spectacular yet. Taking place for the first time in the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, the 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show is not only leveling up in scale but also in ambition. Slated for Thursday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. PT, the show’s new venue reflects a growing legacy—one that has consistently blended geek culture with high fashion, empowering designers to defy expectations. This year’s theme, “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations,” is not just a slogan but a manifesto—a bold celebration of imagination, inclusion, and unbridled creativity brought to life by 25 talented designers from across the United States.

Hosted, as always, by the effervescent Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe and voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this year’s show is backed by presenting sponsor Universal and includes design inspirations drawn from beloved properties such as Wicked, Jurassic World, Universal Monsters, and DreamWorks Animation favorites like Trolls and How to Train Your Dragon. The designers selected—an eclectic mix of first-timers and returning veterans—will not only showcase their creations to the show’s largest-ever audience but also compete for the coveted chance to design an exclusive apparel line for Her Universe. Two winners will be crowned: one by audience vote and another by a panel of respected judges, continuing a tradition that merges fan engagement with professional opportunity in a way few events can match.

Among this year’s roster are returning legends like Lynleigh Sato, back for her fifth appearance after impressing audiences in 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2024; Caitlin Beards, Cat Gravereaux, and Leah Mednick, each making their third consecutive appearances; and Terence Johnson, whose dynamic designs have earned him spots in both the 2023 and 2024 shows. Other notable returnees include Ericka Angiuli, who debuted all the way back in 2018, and Aaliyah Frye, also from the class of 2018, showing the deep-rooted loyalty and community fostered by this one-of-a-kind event. Meanwhile, exciting newcomers like Catherine Hart, Grace Meeks, Jennifer Biladeau, Jen Wolff, and Steph Piper are poised to make their first runway statements, bringing with them fresh ideas and a hunger to push boundaries in both storytelling and craftsmanship.

There’s something deeply moving about how this event has become more than just a fashion show—it’s a vibrant celebration of individuality and fandom-fueled ambition. One past finalist once recounted how their participation opened doors to the professional costume world and lifelong friendships. Another returning designer mentioned how simply walking that stage in a creation born from a favorite movie helped them reclaim confidence after years of creative dormancy. From the glittery lights to the thunderous cheers, this is the kind of night that changes lives. And this year, with a theme focused on breaking molds, the emotional stakes feel even higher.

This year’s fashion narrative is further bolstered by returning partners like AOA, bringing their signature flair as the show’s special effects sponsor, and Lug, the official bag sponsor beloved by fans. The stage is set not only to impress visually but also to underscore that fashion can be both functional and fantastical. Whether it’s through a reimagined Universal Monsters silhouette dripping in gothic elegance or a How to Train Your Dragon-inspired look with wings that defy gravity, audiences are expected to see pieces that blur the line between cosplay and couture, each telling a personal story of inspiration, fandom, and fierce creativity.

Access to the event remains open to the public but demands early action—wristbands are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the show at the Seaport Ballroom Foyer. The wristbands not only ensure entry but organize attendees into designated seating groups, preserving the sense of order amid the excitement. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 6:00 p.m., with a strict policy on late arrivals to maintain the show’s theatrical flow. For members of the press, only pre-approved individuals may bring professional equipment, and credential requests must be submitted by Friday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m. PT—a date fast approaching for anyone hoping to capture this sartorial spectacle through a journalistic lens.

Fans and attendees are encouraged to follow Her Universe on social media—@heruniverse on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok—for behind-the-scenes content, designer highlights, and exclusive announcements. The hashtag #HerUniverseFashionShow is already gaining traction as designers tease their preparations and fans share memories from past shows. And if previous years are anything to go by, the buzz will only grow louder in the days leading up to the show, culminating in what many consider the heart and soul of SDCC’s unofficial programming lineup.

Founded in 2010 by Ashley Eckstein, Her Universe has transformed from a niche brand into a pop culture movement—one that speaks directly to fans who’ve long wanted to wear their love for genre storytelling with pride and flair. From size-inclusive fashion to geek-chic accessories, the brand has not only dressed its audience but inspired it, creating a space where creativity, fandom, and identity collide on the runway. Its collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences—NBCUniversal’s powerhouse division behind consumer products and theme park experiences—adds an even deeper layer of industry reach, reinforcing the idea that fandom fashion isn’t fringe—it’s the future.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, one thing is clear: the Her Universe Fashion Show is not just an event; it’s a movement, an emotional reset button, and a reminder that fandom and fashion, when stitched together by bold hearts and brilliant minds, can create something truly transcendent. Whether you’re a returning fan, a first-time attendee, or simply a curious observer watching from social media, July 24 promises to be a night where fantasy walks, fandom shines, and fashion, once again, defies every expectation.

(Source : press release)