There is no place like The Her universe Show Mode if you love fashion and pop culture.
Kicking off last week’s San Diego Comic-Con was the traditional fashion event, Her fashion show in the Universe. Every year designers come to show their best designs in hopes of winning a chance to design a line with Her Universe on the hot topic. This year 26 designers battled it out with two declared winners. Winners this year will create exclusive Marvel Universe The Marvels merchandise. Not only was the event packed with must-see fashion, but also some exciting news.
Her own universe, her own style
In celebration of SDCC’s return and open to the public since the pandemic, this year’s theme was “Coming Home.” Joining the annual host; Its Universe founder and actress, Ashley Eckstein, was drag icon Nina West. The two made a stunning entrance as they both paid homage to the classic film, Wizard of OZ. There are some great looks from years past, but this one will go down in silly fashion history. Eckstein’s look is another great design from 2014 fashion show winner Andrew MacLaine. While West shone as Glinda the Good Witch in a bubble pink dress designed by Johnny Wujek and John Thomas. It even has bubbles!!!
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One of the best things about this show is the fact that it celebrates all fans no matter how big, small or completely random. Another movie duo that the two co-hosts were inspired by was Romy and Michele from the cult classic Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Not only were their outfits on point, but they even added some of the iconic dance moves.
Better designed views
Of the 26 designers who went all out on the runway, two would be named this year’s winners. One has been declared the winner of the judges and the other the winner of the audience. This year the judging panel consisted of three winning designers from last year Teighlor Johnson, Skyler Barrett and Vivien Lee. As well as industry experts Elena Vrska and Mallory Leveille. Because last year’s fashion event was digital, this was the first time the three 2021 winners got to walk the runway, and they didn’t disappoint. You can catch all the designs from the show exclusively on the Her Universe YouTube channel.
Fans were able to see a wide range of designs inspired by popular movies and TV shows. Including Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, CW’s 100, Scream, Doctor Strange, Spiderman, a wide range of Disney hits, some from Studio Ghibli, and even a look inspired by the hit band BTS. Every outfit looked amazing and did the inspiration justice. Here are just a few of my favorite looks that didn’t win.
The second outfit that hit the runway was designed by Liz Todd, who goes by @ambrose_cosplay on Instagram. This outfit immediately caught my attention because of the green and gold coloring. It was already a must-have situation because it also gave off this little vintage vibe with the big coat. But when the coat came off to reveal a beautifully tailored waistcoat and trousers, I wanted to back off. Who knew a design based on Perry from Phineas and Ferb could support such an amazing moment. Especially since the design was titled, “Perry the Platypus?!”
One of the things Her Universe has thrived on is finding a way to represent your favorite fandom while still looking fashionable. And the designer of this piece understood that balance perfectly. Lauren Wilkinson, @electricseafoam on Instagram, was inspired by the hit Magna and show series, My Hero Academia. While I’ve never seen the show, this design made me double-guess that decision. Especially with the amazing feather sleeves that went well with the color blocking. It makes sense why the name of this design is “Firce Wings”.
Who doesn’t love a mid-runway outfit change? Maybe I’m a little biased because this design is based on one of my favorite movies, The Lizzie McGuire Movie. This look titled “What Seams are Made of” and designed by Leah Foley (@spinnerscourtdesign) would have stolen hearts just in purple. But adding the quick change to green makes us scream “hey now, hey now!”
But that wasn’t the only outfit change I fell in love with during the show. “Down the Rabbit Hole” was designed by Kimberly Burns (@kberry723) and features a reversible coat. As well as a colorful 3-piece outfit that included a long-sleeved shirt that resembled the purple stripes of the Cheshire Cat and a plaid print embellished with cardstock and daisies. For me, it was the undercoat that made me smile a big smile.
Fashion is all about being bold and making a statement, but it can also be about the beauty of simplicity. Designer Paige Campbell (@quasar_creations) did a fantastic job with her creation, From Another Dimension. Inspired by Into the Spiderverse, this dress is a sleek, ballerina combination of black and colorful details. Especially if you look at the bottom of her dress where the neon skyscrapers are embroidered. Wearing this dress would make anyone feel like a spider queen.
There are so many amazing designs, and these are just a few of our favorites. I think that is why we are not judges. Because in this situation everyone would be a winner. Check out all the amazing designers, their social media accounts and the artistic inspiration behind the dresses here.
wINNERS
Ending the night on a high, the dazzling co-host duo stepped out in a new Captain Marvel-inspired outfit to announce the winners. The Judges winner was Cindy Guillermo Heselton, who was inspired by the recent blockbuster, Pixar’s Turning Red’s Mei. Which included a sling bag styled like a Tamagotchi that read her Instagram name, sinnanoms.
She called her design “Caged” and explained her reasoning in her Instagram post. “To refrain from expectation and get out of that ‘cage’. Holding back and facing the fear of disappointment.” And what is fashion for, if we don’t use a creative tool to express our truest and deepest selves?
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The runner-up was designer Michael Burson (@thewizardtailor) who took home the Audience Award. There was some stiff competition when it came to coats and capes this season, but this Doctor Strange-based design left the crowd spellbound. And it’s not just the cape that will make you feel mesmerized.
Both designers did a wonderful job and deserve every bit of praise they are getting. And fans, myself included, can’t wait to see what their creative minds will come up with next year for the release of Marvel’s Universe, The Marvels.
Big night, bigger news
While the Her Universe fashion show is a competition, it’s also a chance for the designer behind Her Universe to show off their new collections. This year fans were able to get a sneak peek at new lines that were inspired by Outlander, Marvel and Star Wars. For Her Universe fans and brand mastermind Ashley Eckstein, the Star Wars line included a special denim jacket inspired by Ahsoka Tano. While jacked has not yet been released, some of the other items are now available for purchase through Her universe and Hot Topic.
But one of the biggest announcements was the fact that Her Universe and Hot Topic are taking the world by storm, starting with Japan. For the first time, opening on August 10, fans will be able to enjoy a global collective collection of Studio Ghibli Harajuku in Japan. But don’t worry, these collections will also be available on the same day in Canada and the US. This is great because after seeing some of the pieces, I HAVE to grab the Kiki’s Delivery Service inspired dress.
Fashion never stops
While San Diego Comic-Con has closed and the winners of Her fashion show in the Universe are starting work on their big prize, it’s important to remember one thing. The love of fashion and the need to represent your favorite fans doesn’t need to be put on hold until next year. Hot Topic with the help of its Universe has catapulted nerd/pop culture fashion to levels we’ve never seen before and still has plenty of room to grow. New lines are always dropping, for example the Studio Ghilbi Harajuku Collective Collection coming August 10th. And it’s not just these big brands.
Designers, as we saw at the fashion show, are always creating new things for their stores and/or commissions. So if there’s something you really liked or a designer that spoke to you. Be sure to follow and support them as they continue to pursue their passions.
Let us know in the comments below where your favorite looks from Her universe and what fandoms do you like to see represented. If you like what you read, be sure to follow ours social media for more content like this, don’t forget we’re always watching.
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