With both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA on strike this summer, things at San Diego Comic-Con looked a little different. But one SDCC staple that continued to bring the magic was the Her Universe Fashion Show.
Founder Ashley Eckstein opened the show with a recorded message thanking the designers, fans attendees, and the legal team who helped ensure the show could continue in compliance with strike regulations. Eckstein then took the stage in an impressive gown covered in flexible OLED screens, designed to look like film strips. The dress continued to play clips from different movies throughout the night, highlighting this year’s theme, 100 Years of Disney.
Joining Eckstein to help host the show? None other than current Aladdin Broadway star Michael James Scott. (And yes, he serenaded audiences with Genie’s “Friend Like Me” song from the musical!)
Over 2,000 fans turned up to see the Her Universe Fashion Show, making their way through a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed lobby. Throughout the night, attendees also had the opportunity to snag a ton of incredible raffle prizes, including new Ahsoka Tano lightsabers, a Captain Carter shield, Broadway tickets to both The Lion King and Aladdin (for which star Scott also promised a personal backstage tour), D23 Gold Memberships, and a three-night stay the new The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
During the fashion show, 25 talented designers debuted their looks inspired by Disney properties. The Her Universe Fashion Show chooses two winners: one selected by a panel of judges, and one selected by audience popular vote. This year’s judging panel included 2022 winning designers Cindy Guillermo and Michael Burson; SVP of Hot Topic Merchandising Robin Motts; Director of Concept Art and Story Development at Disney Consumer Products, George McClements; and actor, artist, and owner of Bungalow Modern, Bret Iwan.
You can check out all 25 of this year’s designs in the video below.
The judging panel selected Rachel Petterson (@pigsinpajamas) as the winner for her “Totally Minnie” look, inspired by Minnie Mouse and ‘80s fashion.
The audience voted for Raeven K. (@thatssewraevenk) for her “Mistress of the Elements” look, inspired by Storm from X-Men.
As winners of the Her Universe Fashion Show 2023, Rachel and Raeven will create two collections with Her Universe: one collaboration with Hot Topic, and one with Disney Parks.
Footage from this year’s show will also be available on the Her Universe YouTube channel at a later date.
