Look Back at 10 Years of the Her Universe Fashion Show Ahead of SDCC [Exclusive]

Over the past 10 years, the Her Universe Fashion Show has become as much a staple of San Diego Comic Con as any Hall H panel. Hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, along with Broadway star Michael James Scott, the tenth installment of the event is set to grace the Grand Hyatt Hotel this Thursday, July 25 at 6 PM PT. To celebrate the fashion milestone, Collider is excited to present a look back at the past ten years of the Her Universe Fashion Show via Ashley Eckstein’s stunning outfits, while looking ahead at what to expect in 2024.

Last summer may have been the summer of Barbie, but the fun continues this summer as the Her Universe Fashion Show — presented by Mattel — celebrates 65 years of Barbie, along with other Mattel brands like Magic 8 Ball, Uno, and Hot Wheels. The show will also celebrate 35 years of Polly Pocket by taking over the lobby of the Grand Hyatt. There fans can celebrate three decades of fashion, while also taking part in exciting immersive experiences and photo ops — no shrinking down to pocket size required!

Of the milestone event, Eckstein said:

“It’s truly surreal that we’re celebrating a decade of the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. What started out as something that seemed like an oxymoron to most, a couture fashion show at Comic-Con, is now the sell-out event that kicks off the whole weekend! I am SO incredibly grateful to everyone who has made our fashion show one of the highlights of SDCC-especially our fans and our incredible community of designers. This year’s show will be presented by Mattel, and as a lifelong fan, I’m getting to play with all of my favorite toys AND turn them into fashion! We’re having so much fun working with some of Mattel’s iconic brands.”

What Is the Her Universe Fashion Show?

Since 2014, the Her Universe Fashion Show has been a venue for up-and-coming designers to showcase their geek couture finest. Besides the 25 designs hitting the runway, the Her Universe Fashion Show is also known for the showstopping numbers that Eckstein wears, which are always an event in and of themselves. The gallery above showcases the last decade of looks, with the dresses ranging from Star Wars themed, to other geeky franchises such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and She-Ra.

Of the 25 participants, two will get the chance to go on and design a collection with Her Universe. One winner will be chosen by the audience, while the other will be chosen by the panel of expert judges, including 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show winning designers Rachel Petterson and Raeven K, Robin Motts, Senior Vice President Hot Topic Merchandising, Vivienne Medrano, Creator of Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, and VP of Barbie Product Design at Mattel, Robert Best.

The Her Universe Fashion Show hits the Grand Hyatt Hotel on July 25 at 6 PM PT in the Harbor Ballroom. Stay tuned to Collider for more coverage of San Diego Comic Con.