Disney Icons Launch New Podcast + Return to Co-Host SDCC Fan Favorite Event

Three-episode premiere drops July 11, plus first-ever live after-show tapes July 25 at SDCC

• Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahoska Tano) and Broadway star Michael James Scott (The Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway) today announced the launch of their new weekly podcast, HypeFriend!, debuting July 11 with a three-episode premiere. The duo returns to San Diego Comic-Con to co-host the opening night event, The Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal on Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m. PT in the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. This will be Michael James Scott’s third year co-hosting the iconic SDCC kickoff event, where fans will yet again be dazzled by his powerhouse vocals and electrifying fashion. 

• Friends since high school, Ashley and Michael launch HypeFriend! as a weekly podcast with the singular mission of starting a friendship revolution, one “HypeFriend” at a time. Filled with Hypes & Gripes, Good Gossip, and Neighbor Drop-Ins, the comedy podcast centers around authentic conversation meant to inspire the next generation of friendships. Guests featured in the premiere episodes include voice actor Bret Iwan (official voice of “Mickey Mouse”) and Andrew Levitt, also known as Nina West from RuPaul’s Drag Race. All three are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

• For the first time ever, the HypeFriend! podcast will host a special “Her Universe Fashion Show After Party” on Friday, July 25 (10-11 am) at the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library. Fans are invited to join the special live taping, hear the backstage stories, and meet the newly crowned “Her Universe Fashion Show” winners. 

• “I’ve learned that connection is an essential need, just like food and water. We can’t be there in person for every single listener, but we can virtually create a community while simultaneously learning and sharing some tips and tricks for how to make friends and connect with those around you. Just like someone might share a recipe for a cake, there is a recipe for friendship!” — Ashley Eckstein

• “Ashley’s over here giving you the recipe for friendship—and I’m the friend who shows up, in a FIERCE outfit, ready to eat the cake, even if it’s burnt. And with Ashley’s baking, you never know! Honestly, doing a podcast with my lifelong bestie where we overshare and laugh too loud? That’s my love language. HypeFriend is like a big, glittery group hug but with jazz hands.” — Michael James Scott

• HypeFriend is produced by Dream Three, a multi-platform entertainment studio headquartered in New York and founded by award-winning writer-director Jeremy Merrifield and Broadway star Michael James Scott. 

ABOUT HER UNIVERSE 

Her Universe is a groundbreaking fandom fashion company and lifestyle brand originally founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010. Her Universe strives to cultivate a fandom-centric community powered by women to be authentically themselves and celebrate what they love by designing high-quality, fandom-centric, size-inclusive, stylish merchandise. For more information, visit heruniverse.com and follow @heruniverse on Instagram, X, Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok.

ABOUT HYPEFRIEND!

HypeFriend is a weekly, hour-ish conversation podcast series hosted by childhood friends and Disney icons —Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars) and Broadway’s Michael James Scott (“The Genie” from Disney’s ALADDIN on Broadway). In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared that we are currently experiencing a loneliness and isolation epidemic. United by an unshakable belief that authentic connection can change lives, Ashley and Michael are starting a “friendship revolution” one “HypeFriend” (and one episode!) at a time. Each week, they delve into what it truly takes to Be A HypeFriend — a friend who is genuinely there for you, who proudly supports you, and unconditionally cares for you. Blending laugh-out-loud banter with guests from “the neighborhood”, Michael and Ashley build a vibrant community of friends and guests who share their own experiences, lessons learned, and stories about friendship in a fun, casual, and conversational way. The show is produced by Dream Three. For more information, visit: www.beahypefriend.com. 

ABOUT ASHLEY ECKSTEIN

Actress, author, designer, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and producer, Ashley Eckstein, is most known for originating the character of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars, she voices Ahsoka in projects such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Pieces of the Past, coming to Disney+ this September. Ashley founded the fashion and lifestyle brand Her Universe, and Eckstein's designs can currently be found at Disney Parks worldwide. Ashley is currently serving as Co-Creator, Executive Producer, and will be starring in a new audio drama for Disney. Eckstein is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and is on the National Advisory Council for The Kids Mental Health Foundation. Follow Ashley on Instagram @ashleyeckstein. 

ABOUT MICHAEL JAMES SCOTT 

Best known as the “Genie” in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway and having won awards for playing the role in productions around the world, Michael James Scott is globally recognized for originating the Broadway roles of “The Minstrel” in Something Rotten! and “Dr. Gotswana” (aka The Maggots Man) in The Book of Mormon. He's the voice of Disney Cruise Line’s national commercial campaign, where you can hear his reimagined rendition of Cinderella’s “A Dream Is A Wish” and is currently touring with his symphonic show of the same name. With more than fifteen Broadway credits, Michael can be heard on multiple cast albums, studio recordings, and on his holiday album A Fierce Christmas. In addition, he has numerous film and television credits, including Black Monday, The Carrie Diaries, and South Park. Follow Michael on instagram @iammjscott. 

Her Universe Reveals The 25 Contestants Competing At The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show At San Diego Comic-Con

HER UNIVERSE REVEALS THE 25 CONTESTANTS COMPETING AT THE 11TH ANNUAL HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 

Hosted by founder Ashley Eckstein, The Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Presented by Universal will showcase emerging designers from across the country dazzling San Diego Comic-Con from a new location within the Manchester Grand Hyatt

 

The fan favorite event at San Diego Comic Con, Her Universe is delighted to reveal the 25 designers selected to showcase their creations at this year's 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show presented by Universal. Featuring both returning designers and exciting newcomers, the fantabulous show is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 24, beginning at 6.00 p.m. PT. 

 

10TH ANNUAL HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW TO CELEBRATE MATTEL AND DECADES OF FASHION INNOVATION AND GEEK COUTURE AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

 

The iconic 10th annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Her Universe and Mattel, today announced the 2024 show theme will celebrate decades of fashion, innovation, and geek couture as Mattel approaches its 80th anniversary. This year’s show at San Diego Comic-Con, held Thursday, July 25 beginning at 6 pm, will also honor other legendary Mattel brands including Hot Wheels, UNO and Magic 8 Ball through an incredible lineup of fashion and giveaways. 

Mattel will bring the lobby to life creating a vibrant showcase celebrating 35 years of Polly Pocket, highlighting nostalgic fashions across three plus decades. Guests can expect an immersive experience, filled with nostalgic charm, innovative displays and photo opportunities that pay homage to Polly Pocket whose legacy continues to make the ordinary extraordinary.

“As Mattel approaches its monumental 80th anniversary next year, we are delighted to celebrate geek culture couture by partnering with Her Universe to showcase unique designer interpretations of our IP,” said Meredith Norrie, Vice President of Global Licensing and Consumer Products, Mattel. “Mattel’s iconic house of brands have long served as a source of joy and inspiration to bring fans together at San Diego Comic-Con and beyond. By teaming up with Her Universe Fashion Show, we are tapping into our shared passion of fueling fandom, creativity and self-expression.”

To commemorate a decade of unforgettable shows, host and Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein  (voice of Ahsoka, Star Wars & Founder, Her Universe), and co-host Michael James Scott (Broadway star, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten), will lead an evening dedicated to Mattel’s nearly 80 years of innovation and imagination. 

From the moment the lights go down, audiences will be enthralled by Ashley Eckstein’s cutting edge couture look, certain to make headlines as she does every year with her one-of-a-kind reveal. The dynamic hosting duo will then shine a spotlight on geek couture fashion, promising unforgettable surprises you won’t want to miss. As previously announced, award-winning director Jeremy Merrifield will direct the show. 

Since 2014, the Her Universe Fashion Show has captivated fans with the creativity of talented designers who have worked tirelessly to showcase one-of-a-kind custom geek couture looks on the runway. This year's ultimate prize will again be the opportunity for two of the 25 participants to design a special fashion collection with Her Universe. The audience will choose one winner, along with a winner selected by an expert panel of judges, including the 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show winning designers Rachel Petterson and Raeven K; Robin Motts, SVP 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 8th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show at SDCC 2022

THE 8TH ANNUAL HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW KICKS OFF SAN DIEGO 
COMIC-CON ON THURSDAY, JULY 21 AT 6 PM

Her Universe founder/Actress Ashley Eckstein returns as host alongside special co-host Nina West for the fan-favorite fashion competition presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic

Critically acclaimed as one of the must-see events at SDCC, the 8^th annual Her Universe Fashion Show returns to in-person programming during San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC). Fans will watch as 26 designers compete with their original geek couture designs to win the ultimate prize – the opportunity to design a collection with Her Universe for Hot Topic. Presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic, the event will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m. PT in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. 

Hosted by actress, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano), the theme for this year’s show is “Coming Home,” a celebration of the return to an in-person San Diego Comic-Con event. Drag icon Nina West joins Eckstein as a special co-host for the evening. 

“After three years away, I am overjoyed for our event to return in person,” said Eckstein. “We chose this year’s theme because San Diego Comic Con is not only the home of our fashion show, it is truly a home for me and the fans. We have an amazing group of designers this year and I can’t wait to share the stage with my dear friend Nina West. This will be a celebration you won’t want to miss.”

“I am beyond thrilled to join my friend Ashley on stage for the Her Universe Fashion Show. Celebrating inclusivity with amazing fashion looks everyone will love will make for an incredible evening," added West.

As fans have come to expect, the Her Universe team has many surprises in store in addition to the stunning couture looks inspired by beloved characters, stories, and themes from all across the genre. By the end of the night, two winners will be chosen: one by the audience and one by an expert panel of judges. This year’s judging panel includes the 2021 winning designers Teighlor Johnson, Skyler Barrett, and Vivien Lee as well as industry experts Elena Vrska and Mallory Leveille. Special gifting for the evening provided by Lug, the popular lifestyle brand of   travel bags and accessories.
  
Check-in begins at 1PM on Thursday, July 21st at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel Harbor Ballroom, and doors open at 5:15PM, with the show beginning at 6PM. The Her Universe Fashion Show is free for San Diego Comic-Con attendees and all ages are welcome.

Her Universe Fashion Show returns to San Diego

THE HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE ON JULY 19 WITH GRAND RETURN TO SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

Biggest and Best “Geek Couture” Fashion Show Yet including Debut of Ashley Eckstein’s Jaw-Dropping Gown

Disney and Her Universe Expand Licensing Deal To Reach More Fans

The Her Universe Fashion Show is Back and Looking for Designers!

Calling All Designers! Now is Your Chance to

Design a Fashion Collection with Her Universe

for Retailer Hot Topic

Designer Submission Process Opens Today for the 2016 Her Universe

Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con

NEW YORK, NY- March 30th, 2016 - The Her Universe Fashion Show, the ultimate runway for fangirl fashion, returns to the world’s premiere comic book and popular arts convention, San Diego Comic-Con, July 21st 6:00pm at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. This year, in addition to submitting designs online, designers in the Southern California area will have the opportunity to submit their geek couture fashion concepts in-person to a panel of judges from Her Universe and Hot Topic at Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles on April 23rd beginning at 10am. Designers from all over the country are welcome to submit and will also have the opportunity to submit video explanations of their designs if they cannot attend the open call. Twenty-five designers will be selected to compete in the Her Universe Fashion Show at SDCC for the chance to win the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe that will be sold at Hot Topic – the leading pop culture retailer. This year is extra exciting because the entire process will be filmed for a docu-series to air on the new Comic-Con channel, Comic-Con HQ. 

Her Universe Promises Lots of Exciting Reveals at Wondercon

Her Universe Returns to WonderCon with Big

2016 Fashion Show Announcement,

Two Panels and New Fangirl Fashions

Her Universe Promises Lots of Exciting Reveals at Comic-Con International's Sister Show

 

NEW YORK, NY - March 10th, 2016 - Her Universe, the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand, today announced its return to WonderCon, the must-attend event being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center March 25th through the 27th, with exciting news and new products for fans of sci-fi fashion, publishing and more. This year, Her Universe is hosting two panels and a portfolio review at WonderCon that are not to be missed.

BBC.com Culture Presents "How Comic Books Took Over Hollywood" at San Diego Comic-Con

BBC.com CULTURE PRESENTS ITS FIRST EVER PANEL AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

“HOW COMIC BOOKS TOOK OVER HOLLYWOOD” 

Featuring Axel Alonso, Paul Dini, Ashley Eckstein, and Kyle Newman

New York – June 24, 2015 - BBC.com Culture will host its first ever panel, “How Comic Books Took Over Hollywood,” at San Diego Comic-Con this year featuring Marvel Comics’ Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, Batman: The Animated Series writer/producer Paul Dini, Star Wars: The Clone Wars voice actress Ashley Eckstein, and Fanboys director Kyle Newman, marking the first time these industry legends and trendsetters will be together on one stage.  The panel, moderated by BBC.com’s Deputy Culture Editor Christian Blauvelt, will discuss the recent success of comics in Hollywood, explore why it “gets” comic book storytelling now when for decades it didn’t, and why the format has recently become so massively popular in film and television.

GEEK COUTURE TO INVADE SDCC WITH HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW! SNEAK PEEK!

GEEK COUTURE TO INVADE SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

WITH 2ND ANNUAL HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW

25 Designers Compete for the Opportunity to Design a Fashion

Collection with Her Universe for Hot Topic

NEW YORK, NY- June 25th, 2015 - The Her Universe Fashion Show, hosted by actress and Her Universe Founder Ashley Eckstein, returns to San Diego Comic-Con 2015 with an all new group of aspiring designers. This year, 25 finalists will present their original "geek couture" designs in the runway show to compete for the opportunity to design a limited edition fandom collection with Her Universe for leading specialty retailer Hot Topic. The 2nd annual Her Universe Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, July 9th at 6pm at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego. More than 2,000 fans are expected to attend this exciting runway show celebrating fangirl fashion and pop culture. 

Her Universe Returns to SDCC

Ashley Eckstein's HER UNIVERSE Returns to San Diego Comic-Con International
with Daily Exclusives & Unique Fashion Shopping Experience for Fangirls

Eckstein Hosts Comic-Con 2013 Her Universe Panel on Geek Girl Fashion

Her Universe Cyber Monday Exclusive Holiday Star Wars Pin

Her Universe announces their Cyber Monday Exclusives which includes Free Ground Shipping and a Free Holiday Star Wars Pin with any order. This is the 3rd Annual Holiday Star Wars pin and this year it features Chewbacca and also comes with a signed certificate from Ashley Eckstein. These pins are limited to 1000pcs and these free pins are valued at $30 which you will get for free with any order while supplies last. Act fast as the previous years' pins were gone quick.