by Zoe Gaussoin, Reporter

Ashley Eckstein continues to display her unique innovative exploration of Her Universe, which has shown no slowdown in expanding since its Big Bang in 2010. This ever expanding universe, Her Universe, exhibits hard work and growth every year. This year was no different: Her Universe is topping itself again. The whole feeling was fluid while Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott flowed through the milky runway, pulling us all on an astronomical trip, displaying Disney favorites and geek contoured couture at its absolute most fabulous.

Her Universe has talented, out of this universe (and into Her Universe) designers, who wished upon Her Universe stars, and displayed some of the most creative virtuosity I have seen. These shooting stars incorporated complete transformations, timed lighting, mind bending designs, and couture fashion.

Michael James Scott set the stage by serenading us with his amazingly powerful beautiful voice. He opened the night with “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and he continued to sing as Ashley made her grand entrance, in her Disney 100 inspired dress. This stunning and innovative design concept astonished the crowd as we watched all of our favorite Disney clips scroll through film.

Her Universe Fashion Show Co-host Michael James Scott (@iammjscott), the Broadway star
who plays Genie in Aladdin, continued to woo the audience with “Friend Like Me”. It was spectacular. It was its own mini show and I was blown away by his voice and talent. Check out the clip above!

Her Universe continues to facilitate a family feel, bringing us all closer and out of our shells for an exhilarating nostalgic visual ride into Her Universe. Ashley Eckstein perpetuated this feeling by having her family and friends present.

The models started off with Ashley’s gorgeous mother. Ashley Eckstein elicited such an enatic response from us all while she gushed over her mother. Mom beamed as she sported an Ahsoka Tano hoodie up and down the runway, proud of her daughter and confident in that beautiful comfortable Ahsoka Tano hoodie I saw everyone wearing after the Her Universe Fashion show and around the SDCC 2023 convention. Don’t worry, we’ve got you here at ComicsOnline. Here is the link to the Her Universe Star Wars Ahsoka Tano Oversized Hoodie Her Universe Exclusive, so you can see what all the fuss is about.

The night continued with more amazing designs from Her Universe, showing off the talent and the beautiful and practical clothing line they have available. Afterwards, Ashley and Michael joined each other on the runway and told us about voting before the first contestant hit the runway.

Enjoy some of the pictures I took of these out of this world contestants with the ComicsOnline Hubble telephonescope while floating through the Her Universe Fashion Show 2023.

Megg Waddington presented Ink & Paint, inspired by Disney animation. This piece was so creatively executed. It really looked like tracing paper sketches. You can give them a follow @costumesbymegg.

Rachel Petterson presented Totally Minnie, inspired by Minnie Mouse. Rachel really brought the piece to life with her Minnie strole down the runway. This Disney masterpiece was covered in Mickey eared polka dots, layers of red ruffles, and a black bow accent. You can give her a follow @pigsinpajamas.

Lydia Seabrooks presented 100 Acres of Fashion, inspired by Winnie the Pooh. It was no
bother when Lydia came out in their bouncy, flouncy, fun fun fun fun fun design twist on
Winnie and Pooh’s honey, dripping with creativity. Give Lydia a follow @lamsdesign.

Casper presents With Love, From Main Street, inspired by Main Street, USA. I really enjoyed the backstory and concept. You can read about it and give Casper a follow @ghost_banana.

Jill N. Nofziger is The Ghost Host, she escorted her audience down the runway, leaving us haunted by her timeless piece, inspired by the Haunted Mansion. You know what they say at Her Universe, “There’s always room for one more talented designer!” ::Insert adorable Ashley Eckstein laugh:: You can give Jill a follow @jilln.n.

Velma Rippstein presents Lovely Bella Notte, inspired by The Lady And The Tramp. As
she took off the night scene themed jacket, it transformed into the table cloth covered in
spaghetti, what a playful concept. You can give them a follow @velmarippdesigns.

Colin Cook presents Mad with Fashion, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. You can give them a follow @adonis.customs.

Leah M. Foley showed us her Storybook Ending. As the audience read the lines, she walked down the runway, and with a flick of true love’s couture, her dress’ train transforms into a banner that lets us all know she lived Happily Ever After. I adored this concept and think they have a market in personalized couture dresses. You can give Leah a follow @imleahnotleia.

Terence Johnson presented The Green Prince, inspired by The Princess and the Frog. This cloak design really jumped out at me, it was ribbiting. You can hop on and give them a follow @terencebjohnson.

Siberia The Queen presents Long Live the Queen, inspired by The Lion King. Siberia ended the second group with a roar. You can give them a follow @siberiathequeen.

During intermission, Michael James Scott commanded the runway dressed in couture Darth Vader surrounded by Stormtroopers. Then they showed off two lightsabers that they gave away.

Lea Gifford presents The Runaway, inspired by The World According to Jeff Goldblum. The audience’s eyes spiraled down the lights and shapes that danced down Lea’s out of this world, according to me, design. Be sure to follow them @themoraltimelady.

Breanna Corrine presents Way of the Water, inspired by Avatar: the Way of Water. Eyes glimmered at the lights sprinkled throughout the dress embodied the way of water, really bringing this piece to life. Give them a follow @breannacorrinearts.

Moria Magre presents Protect the Wonder of Our World, inspired by National Geographic. I really loved seeing a childhood magazine subscription cut up and collaged into such an expression of all of our childhoods. You can give them a follow @minesofmoriacosplays.

Emma Randall presents Banshees Flight, inspired by Avatar. Their playful design of the elegant wings really made this piece for me. You can give them a follow at @emmaurilega.

Raeven K. presents Mistress of the Elements, inspired by X-Men. Raeven took the stage by storm. The first thing you see are the pearl elements she’s swirled around her exemplar design concepts. Raeven used her creative powers to conjure up this perfect storm of geek and couture fashion that Her Universe craves. Raeven’s brilliant elegant design coupled with peekaboo sheer accents made this incredible piece stand out about the rest. You can give them a follow @thatssewravenk.

Caitlin Beads presents Westview Witch, inspired by WandaVision. As Caitlin hit the end of the runway, the lights dimmed, and WandaVision took over, altering our vision to display a crackled light. You can give this expressive designer a follow @ladyavadesigns.

Christine Geiger presented Prey to Slay, inspired by Prey. You can give them a follow at @geigeruppercut.

Kayleigh Michelle presented Summon the Couture, inspired by Moon Knight. You can give them a follow @signed_km.

Anna Bowen presents BAMF (Blue Acrobat Mutant Fashion), inspired by X-Men. You can give them a follow @gingerarmadillocostumes.

Melissa Lynnette presents Mistress of All Evil, inspired by Maleficient. You can give them a follow @houseofsedgeandbee.

For this intermission, Michael dazzled us again, coming out in a light-up Thanos themed design, oh snap! Her Universe gave away some more amazing geeky must haves. This time, it was Captain Carter’s shield.

Duy Truong presented 100th Wish, inspired by Disney Animation. The flow and design of the cape swirled through the air perfectly, beautiful and fun. You can give them a follow @CafeDeDuy.

Lynleigh Sato presented The Muppets Take The Runway, inspired by The Muppets. You can give them a follow @lynleighsato.

Catherine Gravereaux presented Ka-Chow Couture, inspired by Cars. You can give them a follow @kyasarin.cosplay.

Ali Williams presented I Found A Snipe, inspired by Up. This dress transition was my favorite. Ali “Russeld” her tail feathers and then all of a sudden, we all found a Snipe! You can give them a follow @OnlyAliCat.

Artemistyck presented Window to the Galaxy, inspired by Andor. You can give them a follow @artemistyck.

To finish up this fantastic display of talent, hosts Ashley and Michael sang “We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical. Of course, the audience joined in. Michael sported some of the amazing freebies that were given away and the pair thanked all of their sponsors. We couldn’t get over the RockLove Disney themed necklaces and other amazing giveaways at Her Universe Fashion show this year.

As Her Universe continues with the inclusive feel of the night, Ashley Eckstein insisted that each fan who wanted to show off their own outfits got a moment in the spotlight. It was absolutely incredible to see the community and fandom that drives this event. The gravitational pull Ashley Eckstein has on the fandom and community of Her Universe is beautiful. Her warm dedication to her geeky community is clear for all to see year after year.

Ashley Eckstein pulls us all in further as she shares her struggles with the SAG/AFTRA protests, her communication with @sagaftra, and their ongoing support of Her Universe, but assured us “The show must go on”. Her tearfully opening up gave us all that feeling of closeness again. It brought a sense of comfort not just in the comfy design and fabric but humanized the brand.

With suspense, Her Universe audience burst into a supernova when Ashley and Michael James Scott announced the Judges Winner Rachel Petterson and Audience Winner Raeven K.

ComicsOnline has been lucky enough to get to watch Her Universe grow and develop over the years. We’ve been blessed to cover the event, as Her Universe has forged the way for many SDCC Her Universe Fashion Shows to come. Come check out some of my favorite moments from this year ‘sHer Universe Fashion Show @ComicsOnline. Tell us what you loved the most and what couture designs you can’t wait to see shooting into Her Universe resellers soon.

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