Keep Going! At The Her Universe Fashion Show

Author: Tania Escobar

Comic-Con held the 10th annual Her Universe Fashion Show on July 25, 2024, presented by Mattel this year! This meant that the theme would be pink and a lot of Barbies and Kens would be present! Mattel is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, including 65 years of Barbie and 35 years of Polly Pocket! Two of the most notable and influential toys for children of all ages. Co-hosted by the founder of Her Universe and voice of Ahsoka Tano herself, Ashley Eckstein, and Brodway’s own Genie from the Aladdin musical, Michael James Scott, delivered incredible looks honoring Mattel’s Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and even UNO!

Every year, Her Universe carefully selects 25 designers to showcase their creativity in blending fashion and their love for pop culture to create the coolest in Geek Couture and be featured in Her Universe in the future. I was in awe as each designer presented their unique creations, genuinely highlighting the blend of passion for fashion and pop culture. With a panel of judges consisting of Hot Topic’s Vice President of Merchandising and Mattel’s Vice President of Barbie Product Design, as well as one special guest and last year’s winners, one winner is chosen by the judges and one by the audience. Both winners get to design for Her Universe and get to walk away with $10,000.

This fashion show is more than a competition; it brings together a community of geeks to create geek couture. This is one of Comic-Con’s most popular events, held at the Hyatts Grand Ballroom, with an incredible turnout. Her Universe was a packed house that filled every seat to the brim in the ballroom with geeks, cosplayers, Barbies and Kens, and pop-saltire fans alike, ready with anticipation to see geek couture at its finest made by geeks. I couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the air, especially seeing die-hard fans dressed in their favorite Barbie-inspired attire, including multiple Her Universe outfits inspired by the Barbie film from last year’s collection.

Honoring ten years of The Her Universe Fashion Show, Eckstein reminded everyone in the room that everyone has a Barbie story and shared with us her story of a time when things look bright, sometimes things happen, and during a time of struggle and defeat, anyone can get back up and keep going to something even better than it was before. Her words resonated with me deeply as I reflected on my own journey and the times I’ve had to pick myself up. With a few outfit malfunctions and tripping over her fabulous gown, Eckstein gracefully showed the entire room that the show must go on no matter what happens! Not just for a fashion show or Comic-Con but even in life with her inspiring and amazing journey with Her Universe. 

Before the contestants walked the runway, Hot Topic revealed some amazing news. Last year’s winner designed an X-Men ‘97 line sold only during Comic-Con weekend at The Her Universe booth in the exhibit hall, which would later be released to the public. The special guest judge, Vivienne Medrano, creator of Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, revealed that Hazbin Hotel has been one of the most fan-requested properties for Hot Topic, and this weekend at Comic-Con, Her Universe is releasing a Hazbin Hotel line. With applause and cheering, the Her Universe fans were excited to hear the news of more geek couture coming this past weekend.

The 25 designs of the fashion show all consisted of everything geek, nostalgia, toys, and spooky! It was a sight to see, and all had inclusivity and diversity in their own way. I found myself marveling at the creativity and effort put into each design, feeling inspired to embrace my geeky side even more:

Designer Duy Truong – Love and Serenity – Sailor Moon
Instagram: @CafeDeDuy

After the contestants showed their pieces, Her Universe brought out Barbie-inspired designs for children with disabilities in wheelchairs and walkers, and the hosts welcomed anyone and everyone in the audience in cosplay to walk the Her Universe runway. It was heartwarming to witness such inclusivity and to see the joy on the faces of those who participated. Her Universe showed that anyone and everyone can sport geek couture and walk the runway in their favorite fandom this weekend.

Along with a fantastic show, raffle winners won a grand prize of the brand new 65th anniversary Barbie for 2024, a 35th anniversary Polly Pocket playset, and Barbie Uno decks, and before the winners were announced, the host raffled off fabulous prizes from Mattel. These brand-new toys were released only on Comic-Con weekend and sold in the exhibit hall. The top toy price that Mattel was proud to release this weekend was the movie accurate, Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House, finally giving all Kens their dream house.

After honoring those in attendance for their love of fashion, creativity, and geek couture, ballots were counted, and judges decided on the winners. The audience pick was Warrior Princess of Dune, and the judge’s pick was Made for This – 65 Years of Barbie, chosen for their detail, creativity, ingenuity, and fantastic design. Being there and witnessing the excitement of the winners was truly a memorable experience, one that I’ll cherish.

Winners Candice Miller and Wes Jenkins will be designing lines for Her Universe and Hot Topic shortly to add to your geek couture wardrobe. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

Remember, everyone has a Barbie story, don’t give up, and keep going.

Check out the entire gallery of photos from the went here!

Join the conversation and share your Barbie story in the comments section below! Let’s inspire each other to keep going, no matter what. If you want more amazing content, consider donating to Geek Therapy’s People of Con. This nonprofit uses pop culture to positively change mental health and community settings. Your support helps us continue this important work. 🌟🛍️👗