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SDCC 2024: Her Universe and Mattel Celebrated 10 Years of Geek Couture

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

The 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Mattel, kicked off San Diego Comic-Con with a standing-room-only crowd as fashion and fandom took the spotlight for an unforgettable evening. Within the first 10 minutes of the show, Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein had revealed her highly-anticipated fashion first – a one-of-a-kind projection mapping dress that blended technology and 65 years of Barbie fashion – and Broadway star Michael James Scott kicked off the evening with an electric rendition of Katy Perry’s “Roar” that had audiences on their feet, singing and dancing. The co-hosts later revealed multiple geek couture looks inspired by beloved Mattel brands, including Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and Uno.

Twenty-five designers unveiled their extraordinary creations throughout the night, each inspired by iconic fandoms and pop culture figures, including Barbie, Beetlejuice, Magic 8 Ball, Monster High, Popples and more. From intricate craftsmanship to boundary-pushing designs, every look celebrated the power of imagination, with many also honoring milestone anniversaries, including 65 years of Barbie, 35 years of Polly Pocket, and nearly 80 years of Mattel.

This year’s winning designers, who will receive the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe AND, in celebration of the 10th-anniversary show, will each win $10,000, are below:

Judges winner – Wes Jenkins, Orlando, FL, @artofwesjenkins

Audience winner – Candice Miller, Louisa County, VA, @candicedunlapmiller

To pull off Eckstein’s groundbreaking opening Barbie look, she and show director Jeremy Merrifield worked with a team of more than twenty designers, engineers, illustrators, carpenters, animators, and musicians. The team used a 40,000 lumens precision BARCO projector to celebrate 65 years of Barbie with seven iconic Barbie fashions using a single dress made with cutting-edge projection fabric from AV StumpFL. The eighth Barbie couture look was a pink design created by audience winner of the 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show, Andrew MacLaine.

The fusion between fashion and technology was led by Denise Hatcher, Managing Director of AOA, and Emmy Award-winning director Jay Hatcher of Live Everyday Studios. AOA’s creative artists and technologists, lead by Amara Freshour and Jake Taylor, designed a custom, life-size Barbie box illusion. altrd productions, led by Tony and Ashley Reser, known for their magical projection content on some of the world’s most recognizable architecture, designed custom virtual Barbie fashions and animations.

The opening was scored by renowned music team Nathan and Andrea Padgett, who arranged and produced a moving version of “Roar” for Michael James Scott. The reimagined version of the Katy Perry anthem showcased the era’s music for each of Eckstein’s iconic Barbie looks—from doo-wop to pop and disco to rock. One minute, the audience was crying, and the next minute, they were up on their feet singing.

Polly Pocket also took center stage at this year’s event. Mattel transformed the lobby into a whimsical and nostalgic Polly Pocket experience to celebrate the 35th anniversary. Guests were greeted by some of Polly Pocket’s most iconic pieces, transporting visitors back to cherished childhood memories. A personal favorite of Eckstein’s, the Her Universe founder’s second look was Polly Pocket inspired with a heart-shaped skirt that opened a life-sized Polly Pocket compact, revealing Eckstein as Polly Pocket herself in a look created by designer Andrew MacLaine and the master prop builders at MacGuffin Makers.

Other fashion highlights inspired by Mattel brands included Eckstein and Scott appearing as Totally Hair Barbie and Ken from the ’90s and in matching looks made from actual Uno cards, evoking the style of the ’70s, the decade in which the game made its debut. Michael James Scott gave a new meaning to “fast fashion” when he delighted the audience with his custom-made Hot Wheels suit and coat made by Kristi Siedow Thompson, the 2018 Her Universe Fashion Show winner, who made all of Michael’s looks. Eckstein’s couture looks were made by Andrew MacLaine. Hair and makeup were done by Veronica Nunez, with help from Leibi Carias.

The fun continued throughout the night as audience members won prizes, including 65th Anniversary Barbie dolls, Monster High Backpacks, 35th Anniversary Polly Pocket compacts, specialty Uno card decks, and more!

The Her Universe Fashion Show footage will be available online next week.

SDCC 2019: The 6th annual Her Universe Fashion Show returns to celebrate “The Power of Fashion”

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Graphic Policy Team

The 6^th annual Her Universe Fashion Show returns to San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC). Critically acclaimed as one of the must-see events at SDCC, 24 designers will compete with their original geek couture designs to win the ultimate prize – the opportunity to collaborate with actress and Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars) on a Her Universe fashion collection for Hot Topic. Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and DreamWorks Animation‘s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, this year’s highly anticipated show will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 6PM in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, the theme for this year’s show is “The Power of Fashion.” In the spirit of the critically acclaimed series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, the designs competing in this year’s show will be inspired by powerful characters, stories and themes. Many surprises are in store but the audience can expect that fashion will make a powerful statement on the runway.

Two winners will be chosen, one by the audience and one by an expert panel of judges. Joining this year’s judges panel are Ed LaBay (VP/GMM, Hot Topic), Liz Muñoz (CEO, Torrid), Lisa Baldzicki (VP Parks Merchandise & Product Development, Disney Parks), Meghan Camarena (@Strawburry17, Producer, Host, Actress), Merit Leighton (Voice of Frosta, on She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Michaela Dietz (Actress, Voice of Amethyst, Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe), Kristi Siedow Thompson (Designer, 2018 Audience Winner), Cynthia Kirkland (Designer, 2018 Judge’s Winner) andJane Burson (Designer, 2018 Singer Sewing Winner).

The Cartoon Network Junior Design Showcase will also return to The Her Universe Fashion Show. Her Universe and Cartoon Network held a competition for Junior Designers between the ages of 6-17, and the winners will showcase their Steven Universe-inspired designs when they hit the runway. The winners of the Cartoon Network Junior Design Contest will also design a collection with Her Universe for BoxLunch in 2020.

This year’s content sponsor will be The Pop Insider and they will bring everything about the Fashion Show and pop culture news to one place. Espionage Cosmetics, leading nerd makeup company and self-proclaimed “nerd misfits,” will return as the hair and makeup sponsor to create the looks for the Her Universe runway models.

Check-in begins at 1PM on Thursday, July 18th in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel Harbor Ballroom, and doors open at 5:15PM, with the show beginning at 6PM. The Her Universe Fashion Show is free for San Diego Comic-Con attendees and all ages are welcome.

SDCC 2018: The Her Universe Fashion Show Returns

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Graphic Policy Team

The world’s top “geek couture” fashion event, The Her Universe Fashion Show, is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year by returning to San Diego Comic-Con with its biggest and best show yet. Host, actress, author of “It’s Your Universe” and Her Universe Founder, Ashley Eckstein, will be debuting a very special jaw-dropping gown created by 2013 fashion show winner, Andrew MacLaine. The 5th annual Her Universe Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, July 19th, 6pm, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego. Doors open to the public at 5:15pm.

Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and Loungefly in partnership with BoxLunch, Cartoon Network, SINGER Sewing Company and Zenni Optical this year’s milestone event brings together an all new group of 24 aspiring designers who will present their original “geek couture” designs on the runway. Three winners will be awarded the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe and Loungefly for leading pop-culture retailer Hot Topic – a judges’ winner, audience choice winner and, for the first time, a SINGER Sewing Company winner chosen for excellent sewing and construction. Past year’s winners have created designs for some of Hot Topic’s most popular and best-selling collections.

Cartoon Network will be joining The Her Universe Fashion Show this year with a first-ever Junior Designer Showcase – a competition for aspiring designers between ages six to seventeen. The four winners of the Junior Designer Contest will be announced and presented with the opportunity to design an apparel piece inspired by The Powerpuff Girls with Her Universe for the pop-culture and gifting retailer, BoxLunch. Cartoon Network will also give fans in the audience a chance to show off their individual style and walk the runway.

Behind the scenes coverage will be provided to fans this year thanks to our special content sponsor, Zenni eyewear. Leading tech expert, geek fashion influencer and eyewear connoisseur, Katie Linendoll, will be joining Ashley Eckstein as a special correspondent, bringing fans an additional point of view called “Eyes on the Runway” provided by Zenni.

Guest judges joining the Her Universe 2018 Fashion Show panel will be Cindy Levitt, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Hot Topic, Todd Keller, Merchandising Manager for Loungefly, Joanna Fogt-Sohn, Senior Creative Director for Licensing and Merchandising at Cartoon Network, Olivia Mears, SINGER Sewing Ambassador, who creates wearable art using unconventional materials and is known for her “food fashion,” Jane Francisco, Editor-In-Chief of Good Housekeeping and 2017 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Rose Ivy, Grace Duval and Lindsay Orndorff . Her Universe will be debuting new fangirl fashion designs at this year’s show and fan favorite DJ Amanda Jones will once again be returning to provide music for the event. Espionage Cosmetics is also returning as the beauty sponsor for the fashion show.

Her Universe Announces their first-ever DC Activewear Collection

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Graphic Policy Team

Her Universe shines the spotlight on DC fangirls and officially announce the first-ever DC activewear collection. The announcement, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, and with Kohl’s marks the first time ever that Her Universe has designed a collection inspired by the world’s most iconic DC Super Heroes—Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman. Her Universe has created a fashion forward line available exclusively in Kohl’s stores nationwide and on Kohls.com April 3.

Her Universe has teamed up with Kohl’s to create a fashion forward line available exclusively in Kohl’s stores nationwide and on Kohls.com April 3rd, which includes sports bras, tank tops, tees, jackets, shorts and leggings available in juniors and plus sizes. Price point of the collection is $24 to $55. The Wonder Woman collection is landing in stores in May in celebration of the new Wonder Woman movie opening June 2.

Eckstein, inspired by Wonder Woman, wanted to encourage young women to embrace their warrior spirit and has created a promotional campaign that will be launching with the collection’s release. Using the hashtag #HerUniverseAtKohls, these subtle reminders encourage fangirls to be like these iconic DC characters in their everyday life:

Eckstein has also created three 5-minute quick and easy workout videos inspired by each character to train like Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman. No experience or equipment necessary.

Fashion

Her Universe & ThinkGeek Launch Ultimate 50th Anniversary Star Trek Fashion Collection

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Graphic Policy Team

Set phasers to stun! In celebration of Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, Her Universe has joined forces with ThinkGeek, the premier retailer for the global geek community, to launch an all-new stunning Star Trek fashion collection featuring dresses, jackets, blazers, skirts, fashion tees, scarves, brooches, and more.

Just in time for the holidays, this 50th Anniversary collection has something to energize every Star Trek fan’s wardrobe. Under license by CBS Consumer Products, the retro-inspired designs feature the Star Trek delta shield, Trek uniform-inspired skirts, stylish Starfleet dresses, bomber jackets, and even a Tribble-infused faux fur coat. Customers who purchase $85+ from the collection will receive a set of four collectible pins from either Star Trek: The Original Series or Star Trek: The Next Generation. Customers who purchase $150+ from the collection will receive a second pin set – collect them both!

In honor of the 50th anniversary and the launch of the Star Trek collection, ThinkGeek is giving away a $300 gift card for one lucky fan that’s sure to transport their wardrobe into the future. Enter for a chance to win.

Star Trek Bardot Party Dress and Star Trek Tribble Faux Fur Coat
Featured here on Her Universe Founder Ashley Eckstein, the Star Trek Bardot party Dress features a scalloped neckline, princess seams, and a hidden side zipper. Lined in red, the voluminous circle skirt can be worn without extra underneath for length or fluffed up with a petticoat for a truly striking entrance to your next party. The Star Trek Tribble Faux Fur Coat is hip-length and has two front pockets, an oversized hood, and a drawstring closure at the neck featuring dangling tribble pompoms. Lined in a polyester tribble print for additional cuteness (as if it needed it).

Star Trek TNG Mesh-Top Collar Tee
Choose from Blue/Science/Commander, Gold/Operations/Lieutenant Commander or Red/Command/Captain. The black mesh shoulders lead to a sweetheart-shape in the division color fabric, which is a comfortable soft jersey.

Star Trek TOS Open-Front Blazer and Star Trek Andie Boxy Tee
This Star Trek blazer features a notched lapel, jetted faux pockets, and princess seams in the front. The lining print is TOS insignia, and it peeks out if you roll the cuffs. The Star Trek Andie Boxy Tee is created from a TOS insignia print fabric and features a scalloped bottom, round neck, and a black translucent back. When worn, it looks like an abstract pattern to folks far away or those not in-the-know.

Star Trek Atomic Delta Pattern Infinity Scarf and Star Trek TOS Uniform Skirt
Part of the ThinkGeek Star Trek Collection by Her Universe, this 13” X 40” infinity scarf is ready to wrap around your neck and protect you from the Vulcan nerve pinch. The adorable Star Trek TOS Uniform Skirt comes in Blue/Sciences/Commander, Gold/Command/Captain, and Red/Engineering/Lieutenant.

Star Trek Ships Mae Dress
With its circle skirt and the Peter Pan collar, this Star Trek Ships Mae Dress feels very mid-century. Even the print itself has a great retro atomic vibe with starbursts and offset coloration. But that mesh top makes it modern. Well, that and the spaceships all over it.

Around the Tubes

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Graphic Policy Team

It’s a new week and we’ve got lots of interviews, reviews, and more coming up! Plus, there’s Doctor Strange opening this coming weekend! While you await all of that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

CBR – Correction: Fandom is Broken – Agree? Disagree?

Vancouver Sun – Police recover stolen comic books including the rare Fantastic Four: Issue No. 1 – Good to hear these have been recovered.

The Washington Post – Online bullying may have cost the comic-book industry its next great female voice – And someone who could bring in prose readers.

France 24 – Paris attacks survivor recounts night of horror in ‘My Bataclan’ graphic novel – Didn’t know about this one at all. Could be an interesting read.

CBR – 15 Stereotype-Inspired Comic Book Characters And How They Were “Fixed” – Some interesting comic history.

ICv2 – Hot Topic Acquires Her Universe – Not sure if this is a good thing or not.

Fusion – How Doctor Strange went from being a racist Asian caricature to a magical white savior – Some good comic history.

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – Bloodshot U.S.A. #1

Talking Comics – Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme #1

Atomic Junk Shop – Don’t Look

Comic Atack – The Few and Cursed #1

Talking Comics – Serenity: No Power in the Verse #1

Talking Comics – The Skeptics #1

Talking Comics – Teen Titans #1

Talking Comics – Unleash #1

Around the Tubes

NYCC 2015: Her Universe goes from Fashion to Publishing

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

Groundbreaking fangirl fashion company, Her Universe, and its founder, Ashley Eckstein, announced Saturday in a special panel at New York Comic Con that the company is expanding its reach by launching a new publishing program under an imprint called Her Universe Press. The imprint will build its readership on the company’s wide audience of fans and provide new and aspiring female writers the chance to see their original work professionally published. Focusing on the sci-fi and fantasy genres, the imprint will publish fiction and non-fiction for all age ranges with an emphasis on the tween, young adult market. Her Universe Press will be seeking to publish female authors who write empowering stories with positive messages and a focus on strong female protagonists. Each book will be marketed and promoted by Her Universe and by Ashley Eckstein personally through social media, events and promotions. Titles by Her Universe Press will be available through major booksellers, such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, as well as on eBooks through Audible and iTunes. The first two books will be released spring/summer 2016.

For its publishing program, Her Universe is teaming up with Permuted Press, a company owned and operated by a team of dedicated publishers with over twenty years of experience including overseeing nearly 25 New York Times bestsellers. Established in 2004, Permuted Press has published over 400 works as an industry-leading independent publisher of sci-fi, fantasy, post-apocalyptic and horror fiction. Permuted Press continues to enhance its reputation by publishing an even wider range of high-profile books via various partnerships with leading editors and content curators.

The first title from Her Universe Press, announced at New York Comic Con, will be book one in a series created by new author Anne Convery and Eckstein, written by Convery with illustrations by Dave Filoni. The Confidence Chronicles, set in an alternate universe gold rush California, is a steampunk fantasy featuring twelve-year-old Adelaide Lenihan, whose grit, energy and obsession with all things mechanical lead her along with her automatic owl, Eureka, to uncover exciting and sometimes chilling secrets in her own home town. Mining, mystery and mayhem in this first installment set the stage for Addy’s fantastic adventures from west of the Sierra Nevada to east of the Mississippi and beyond.

The second book is titled Weirdest by author Heather Nuhfer – a writer specializing in all-ages material who has worked on such well-known comic book titles as My Little Pony, Fraggle Rock, The Simpsons, Vampire Diaries and Wonder Woman. Weirdest is the story of thirteen-year-old girl who, in her desperation to be the coolest in her school, makes a wish and, as a result, has her strongest emotions physically manifest themselves in weird ways. Her powers run haywire as she tries to solve the mystery.

SDCC 2014: Her Universe’s Releases

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Brett

Her Universe is returning to San Diego Comic-Con International this year in a big way! Actress and Her Universe Founder, Ashley Eckstein, revealed that Her Universe will debut several new designs and will offer dresses, cardigans, fashion tops and much more from Star Wars, Marvel, Doctor Who, Star Trek, The Walking Dead and Transformers. In addition, the Star Wars by Her Universe R2-D2 My Hero Jewelry Collection that is designed at the Sparkle Factory and made in the USA will make its convention debut. And, just in time for the film’s August 1st debut, every purchase made at the Her Universe booth will receive a FREE Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy slap bracelet. As with previous years, the Her Universe booth will be located in the Lucasfilm Pavilion, #2913-E.

These new releases in the Marvel by Her Universe apparel line will be available at the Her Universe booth (2913-E) at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

A selection of new Her Universe fashions from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Transformers, The Walking Dead and Star Trek available at the Her Universe booth (2913-E) at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

The Star Wars by Her Universe R2-D2 My Hero Jewelry Collection that is designed at the Sparkle Factory and made in the USA will be available at the Her Universe booth (2913-E) at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

The new Nerdist Ultimate Convention Hoodie, modeled here by Nerdist Founder Chris Hardwick, is also available for men and women at the Her Universe booth (2913-E) at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

SDCC 2013: Her Universe Returns

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Brett

Actress, entrepreneur and Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein, announced today that her groundbreaking fangirl fashion company will be returning to San Diego Comic-Con in a big way this year! The convention runs July 18th thru the 21st at the San Diego Convention Center. Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, revealed that Her Universe will be offering daily exclusives at this year’s leading pop-culture/media convention creating a fashion shopping experience for fangirls not to be missed. As with previous year’s, the all-new designed Her Universe booth will be found in the Lucasfilm Pavilion, #2913-F, but this time female fans will be able to purchase a wider selection of tee’s, tanks, V-necks, dresses, hoodies, leggings and necklaces from not only Star Wars, Doctor Who, Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica but also from the newly announced license with AMC’s The Walking Dead.

The Her Universe Daily Exclusives are unique this year to Comic-Con and are sure to be coveted by fans. Launching on Wednesday (Preview night) will be Her Universe’s 30th Anniversary Return of the Jedi Necklace. Only 1,250 were made and only 500 will be available for purchase at SDCC. Each necklace comes with an autographed certificate by Eckstein. Offered exclusively on Thursday will be the Dave Filoni-designed “Ahsoka’s Choice” shirt. Her Universe is only bringing 100 of this limited edition shirt to the convention and each shirt will come with an autographed photo signed by Dave Filoni and Ashley Eckstein. Launching on Friday will be the popular expanded universe character, Jaina Solo, featured on her own shirt with the amazing art of John VanFleet for the novel Sword of the Jedi. Every purchase of this shirt will receive a free book, Choices of One by Timothy Zahn, courtesy of Del Rey. Only 100 of this v-neck shirt will be offered at SDCC. Saturday’s exclusive will be another popular EU character featured on her own shirt – Mara Jade. As with the Jaina Solo shirt, only 100 will be available at SDCC and will feature the incredible Mara Jade artwork created by Daryl Mandryk for the Choices of One novel by Timothy Zahn! Every purchase of this shirt will receive a free book, Choices of One by Timothy Zahn, courtesy of Del Rey. These three shirts will also be available for purchase online but for a limited time only.

For the third year-in-a-row, Eckstein and Her Universe will be sponsoring and hosting a very special panel at San Diego Comic Con on Saturday, July 20th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in room 24ABC. For this year’s panel, entitled, “Her Universe: Geek Girl Fashion – A Discussion Between Fashion Professionals and Fans,” Eckstein is bringing together the decision-makers in the genre fashion Industry and the fans for an open discussion including retailer Hot Topic’s Ed LaBay (Senior Buyer Licensed Apparel), Mallory Leveille (Buyer Licensed Accessories) and Misty Rodriguez (Associate Buyer Womens Licensed Apparel) as well as freelance writer Lisa Granshaw (NBC’s TODAY show website TODAY.com, The Daily Dot & BlastR), Cambria Beauvais, former Director of Brand Assurance at Striker Entertainment and Justin Howard, Fashion Writer (The New York Times Company, Yahoo, About.com and Examiner.com). The conversation is meant to be educational and informative, putting the professionals in direct communication with the fans and vice-versa. Many fans are interested in the fashion industry and Eckstein will give them a glimpse of how the retailer stays in tune with their customers and how they develop compelling designs. Audience members will be able to give their comments and recommendations so their voices can be heard.

In addition, Ellen Connell from the Her Universe online column, “Ask Ellen,” will be meeting fans with Ashley at the Her Universe booth on Sunday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

SDCC 2013: Her Universe and Course of the Force Official Apparel Partner

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Brett

Star Wars fans are preparing for yet another epic journey this year as the 2nd annual Course of the Force lightsaber relay prepares for its launch July 9th through the 16th. This time, Her Universe, a leader in female genre merchandise, and founded by actress and voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ashley Eckstein, will be the apparel merchandise partner for the event. Her Universe will be selling this brand new merchandise for both men and women at the COTF “conival” events in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Huntington Beach and Oceanside Pier as well as at the Her Universe booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2013 where the relay concludes. $5.00 from the sale of each shirt and $10.00 from the sale of each hoodie will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Course of the Force is an Olympic torch-style relay that all aspiring Jedi Knights can take part in. The week long journey, which begins in San Francisco and ends in San Diego, benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundations of California. Renowned artist Russell Walks designed the 2013 look for Course of the Force that is featured on the merchandise.

In addition to providing the apparel for this year’s Course of the Force, Eckstein is also returning, for the 2nd year in a row, as co-host with The Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick and other talent for the exclusive coverage of the relay.

You can still sign up for Course of the Force, the lightsaber relay from Skywalker Ranch to Comic-Con International in San Diego July 9-16, 2013 benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation, by clicking here.

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