One of the most anticipated San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) events, the Her Universe Fashion Show, took place last night, showcasing designers who brought superpowered, fashion-forward looks to life!
Now in its 12th year, the Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products in partnership with DC, featured 20 designers on the runway, celebrating an exclusive Super Heroes and Super-Villains of DC theme.
Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, started the event off strong with a beautiful live fashion transformation: she walked on stage wearing a canvas ensemble that artists transformed in real time into a DC-inspired costume. Throughout the night, Eckstein wore three distinct looks, each created by fashion designer Andrew MacLaine, the first-ever Her Universe Fashion Show winner, that honored the Her Universe community and spirit.
Fans lined up as early as 4 a.m. to secure a spot at the annual Her Universe fashion show. | Source: Her Universe
Paws of Coronado brought furry friends up for adoption at "Krypto's Corner."
Founder Ashley Eckstein stepped out on stage wearing a canvas that artists transformed into a costume. | Source: Her Universe
Broadway performer Michael James Scott returned for the event. | Source: Her Universe
Scott and Eckstein showed off multiple stunning looks throughout the show. | Source: Her Universe
The judging panel was stacked with industry experts. | Source: Her Universe
Looks were served. | Source: Her Universe/The Pop Insider
Returning this year as co-host, Broadway actor Michael James Scott joined Eckstein throughout the night, performing a rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” and his original song “Brighter,” while wearing four striking looks that incorporated custom-cut artisan metalworks.
The excitement began very early on Thursday morning, with fans lining up as early as 4 a.m. to secure their spots in the standing-room-only event. Activations, including a fan experience in the lobby, epically large comic panels, photo ops, and displays celebrating Super Hero fandom and dogs available for adoption, welcomed guests into the event.
Her Universe and Best Friends Animal Society joined forces to bring “Krypto’s Corner” to fans, featuring puppies from Paws of Cornoado to raise awareness for pet adoption.
The lobby also showcased streetwear designed by former Her Universe Fashion Show winners Candice Miller (2024 Judges Winner), Vivien Lee (2021 Audience Winner), and Rachel Petterson (2023 Judges Winner). Each look blended the classic Her Universe aesthetic with bespoke designs inspired by the Super Hero and Super-Villian theme.
This year’s judging panel was filled with experts, including award-winning journalist Marc Malkin; Symantha Perrera, Fashion Design Director for BoxLunch, Her Universe, and Wholesale; DC Studios Showcase co-host and pop culture commentator Frankey Smith; and 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Lynleigh Sato (Judges Winner) and Caitlin Beards (Audience Winner).
Eckstein and Scott show off their DC-themed outfits. | Source: Her Universe
Audience Winner Ren Wilkinson struts her stuff. | Source: Her Campus
Judges Winner Sean Quinn wears a Joker-themed outfit. | Source: Her Universe
The 2026 Her Universe Fashion Show winners! | Source: Her Universe
The winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to design a collection with Her Universe. | Source: Her Universe
Quinn and Wilkinson celebrate their win with the judging team. | Source: Her Universe
The competition was tough, with a myriad of fandom-fueled, showstopping looks, inspired for the first time only by DC’s Super Heroes and Super-Villains. Two winners ultimately cook the crown, each receiving a cash prize and the opportunity to design a collection with Her Universe. The Judges Winner was Sean Quinn (@seanquinncosplay) of Santa Clarita, CA, with “Joke’s on You,” and the Audience Winner was Ren Wilkinson (@electricseafoam) of Midlothian, VA, with “The Beast Within.”
Fans looking to celebrate their other favorite designers can head to the Her Universe booth (No. 1314 & 2913-0) to vote for them to win the Her Universe Fans Spotlight Award.
Time and time again, the Her Universe fashion show proves to be one of the most exciting SDCC events, and this year was no different, delivering an unforgettable celebration of fandom, creativity, and, of course, stunning looks!
Fans who couldn’t attend SDCC will soon be able to watch the Her Universe Fashion Show, streaming exclusively next week on the Her Universe YouTube Channel.
