The 9th annual Her Universe Fashion Show kicked off San Diego Comic-Con 2023 with a celebration of friendship and fashion. Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, Her Universe founder, and co-host Michael James Scott (The Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway), the night featured humor, musical surprises, and of course, geek couture as the centerpiece of it all.

Ashley Eckstein & Michael James Scott, PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

Ashley Eckstein & Michael James Scott, PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

Ashley Eckstein wore a remarkable dress featuring flexible OLED screens playing scenes from Disney films across the decades including animation classics, Pixar favorites, and iconic Star Wars scenes to match each section of the show.

Michael James Scott PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

Michael James Scott PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

Michael James Scott surprised the audience with a live performance of FRIEND LIKE ME from the hit Broadway musical Aladdin, wearing a look inspired by the genie himself as he brought down the house.

The couture this year was inspired by Disney 100, the celebration of Disney Studios’ one-hundredth year, and featured looks ranging from whimsical takes on the animation process itself to the magical creations of Imagineers to the empowerment of favorite characters and properties.

Michael James Scott_Raeven K_Rachel Petterson_Ashley Eckstein CREDIT Mark Edwards

Michael James Scott, Raeven K, Rachel Petterson, Ashley Eckstein
PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

This year’s winners will work on two collections, one with Her Universe for Hot Topic and one for Her Universe with Disney Parks. The winners are:

  • Judges winner – Rachel Petterson (@pigsinpajamas) for her Totally Minnie look inspired by Minnie Mouse
  • Audience winner – Raeven K. (@thatssewraevenk) for her Mistress of the Elements look inspired by X-Men’s Storm

Congratulations to them both!

On a personal note, I appreciated Ashely Eckstein’s introduction to the show this year, acknowledging the current strikes by the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WAG) and how they worked before the show to ensure that everyone participating was in compliance with the strike and supporting their fellow artists.

Raeven K_Rachel Petterson CREDIT Mark Edwards

Raeven K & Rachel Petterson
PHOTO CREDIT Mark Edwards

All in all the show was a joyous celebration of fandom and fashion and the highlight of Comic-Con 2023! You can watch it now on the Her Universe YouTube channel.

ABOUT HER UNIVERSE: 
Her Universe is known as the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand originally founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010. Her Universe strives to cultivate a fandom-centric community powered by women to be authentically themselves and celebrate what they love by designing quality, fandom-centric, size-inclusive, stylish merchandise. For more information, visit heruniverse.com and follow @heruniverse on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and @officialheruniverse on TikTok.
ABOUT HOT TOPIC:
Founded in 1989, Hot Topic was the first retailer to bring alternative apparel and accessories to malls across the country. Today, Hot Topic is a cultural icon and fandom haven for shoppers obsessed with music, entertainment, and all things pop culture. With over 630 store locations across the U.S. and Canada, and online shop at hottopic.com, Hot Topic serves as a source for community, discovery, and inspiration, and continues to appeal to generations of fans. For more information, visit hottopic.com and follow @hottopic on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 
ABOUT DISNEY100: 
Disney100 commemorates The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary through an offering of unparalleled content, experiences, and collections. This once in a lifetime event celebrates the storytellers, fans and families who together spark the wonder and magic of Disney.