The 6th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show was an amazing event, celebrating “The Power of Fashion” in all its forms. Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and DreamWorks Animation’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and in partnership with Cartoon Network, BoxLunch and The Pop Insider, the event took place on July 18, 2019 as part of San Diego Comic-Con.

Host/Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (everyone’s favorite Ahsoka Tano) showcased DreamWork Animation’s She-Ra and the Princess of Power with a one-of-a-kind, transformative dress designed by 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show Winner Andrew MacLaine with custom accessories by designer Harmony Leiker.

Aspiring designers compete with looks inspired by their favorite fandoms. They or their models walk the runway while judges and audience members vote on the Judge’s Winner and Audience Winner. The two winners will then have the opportunity to design a collection for Hot Topic and Her Universe – this time a Wonder Woman collection that will arrive in 2020, just in time for Wonder Woman 1984!

One of my favorite things about the Her Universe Fashion Show is Ashley Eckstein’s ever-changing wardrobe. She works with designers to create outfits that have a meaning and a purpose – the Power of Fashion! Hence, Eckstein debuted a stigma-breaking design for mental health with her On Our Sleeves™ themed dress as part of her work with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

This is the 50th year of San Diego Comic-Con, and it’s also the 50^th Anniversary of the iconic Disneyland ride Haunted Mansion! Eckstein wore a custom couture pant suit inspired by the famous Haunted Mansion wallpaper, designed by 2015 Her Universe Fashion Show winner Leetal Platt

And who can forget this amazing BATMAN dress, designed by Andrew Maclaine!

The Finalists and Their Couture Designs

Now, let’s have a look at the Finalist’s designs – the Her Universe Fashion Show just blew me away! All photos credit: Mark Edwards and Brian Sims.

Ericka Angiuli created an AVENGERS-inspired piece – “Avenge the Fallen”
Olivia Mears created a SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESS OF POWER outfit – “She-Ra, Princess of Power Suits”
Jenny Clark created THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA outfit – “Something Wicked”
Britley Morgan Smith created “Moon Healing Escalation” based on SAILOR MOON
Sam Haag created “Icy Hot Vogue” based on MY HERO ACADEMIA
Cindy Guillermo Heselton created “The Night Queen” based on GAME OF THRONES
Brianna Casper created an ALICE IN WONDERLAND piece – “Off With Your Head”
Liz Todd created a DUCKTALES look – “Duck Couture (Wooo-Ooo!)”
Lisa Truong created “Spirit of Hope” based on STAR WARS
Ally Crocker created “Bring Me Back to the Brienne-Ing” based on GAME OF THRONES
Sarah Time created “Welcome to Neptune” based on VERONICA MARS
Kathryn Henzler used LORD OF THE RINGS to create “The Lady of Lorien and Light”
Lizard Leigh created “A Diamond By Any Other Name” based on STEVEN UNIVERSE
Haily Jensen created “Dreams Come True” based on CINDERELLA
Heather Smith debuted “He’s No Good to me Dead” based on STAR WARS
Wes Jenkins used NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as inspiration for “Oogie Boogie’s Winter Ball”

Andrea Ohnesorge created a UNICORN STORE-inspired piece – “My Unicorn”
Jill N. Nofziger created a Maleficent-inspired gown – “Maleficent”
Samantha Strickland created an IT-inspired outfit – “IT Girl”
Adria Renee created a JURASSIC PARK-inspired gown – “Isla Nublar”
The perfect capper to “Isla Nublar” that garnered Adria the Judge’s Pick
Sarah Hambly created a Loki-inspired outfit – “Bodak Green”

Her Universe Fashion Show Winners

And now….the winners!

Judges Winner – Adria Renee for her Destination: Isla Nublar look inspired by Jurassic Park. I have to say, her runway walk was incredible! She told an entire story, beginning with wobbling along with 2 margaritas. Then she strutted her stuff like she owned the place. Finally, as she walked back down the runway, she turned around, lifted her arms high in the air, and her shawl fluttered down exactly as in JURASSIC PARK, revealing the words on her shawl: “When Dinos Ruled the Earth”. Took my breath away. Adria is the well-deserved winner.

Adria Renee created a JURASSIC PARK-inspired gown – “Isla Nublar”

The perfect capper to “Isla Nublar” that garnered Adria the Judge’s Pick

Audience Winner – Sarah Hambly for her Bodak Green look inspired by Marvel’s Loki. This was a gorgeous look, and yet another stunning runway walk by Sarah Hambly’s model.