Our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Countdown continues with an update on one of the convention’s most anticipated opening-night traditions. With less than a month until the lights go up on the runway, Her Universe has officially unveiled the 20 designers selected to compete in this year’s 12th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show.
Hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, the annual event has become one of San Diego Comic-Con’s signature attractions, showcasing emerging fashion designers who transform pop culture into wearable works of art.
This year’s show takes place on Thursday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. PT in the Harbor Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, where fans can expect another standing-room-only celebration of geek couture.
A Runway Inspired Entirely by DC
For the first time in the show’s history, every design will be inspired exclusively by characters from DC.
Finalists have been challenged to create original couture looks celebrating iconic heroes and villains, with inspirations ranging from Batman and Superman to Harley Quinn, The Flash, Blue Beetle, the Teen Titans, and more.
The DC-only theme promises a cohesive runway unlike any previous Her Universe Fashion Show, giving designers the opportunity to put their own creative spin on some of comics’ most recognizable characters.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
This year’s competition features a mix of returning fan favorites and first-time participants from across North America.
First-Time Designers
- Aibrean Glaister (Toronto, Ontario)
- Ayana Martin (Maitland, Florida)
- Brooke Young (Anaheim, California)
- Eden Hite-Ruecker (Encinitas, California)
- Lisa Truong (Corona, California)
- Gina Iwata (Sacramento, California)
- Jax Foss (Springfield, Pennsylvania)
- Maggie Walker (Clovis, California)
- Marlena Dougherty (Valley Stream, New York)
- Ramon Sosongco (Riverside, California)
Returning Designers
- Cat Gravereaux (Fort Edward, New York)
- Christine Geiger (Los Angeles, California)
- Jen Wolff (Houston, Texas)
- Katherine Everything (Lancaster, California)
- Katie Strube (Kissimmee, Florida)
- Ren Wilkinson (Midlothian, Virginia)
- Mandy McLean Couch (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Paige Campbell (Ransomville, New York)
- Sean Quinn (Santa Clarita, California)
- Terence Johnson (Van Nuys, California)
Several returning competitors have become familiar faces on the Her Universe runway, with designers like Mandy McLean Couch, Cat Gravereaux, and Terence Johnson making multiple appearances after impressing audiences in previous years.
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More Than a Competition
While the elaborate costumes and dramatic runway presentations are the stars of the evening, the Her Universe Fashion Show has become an important showcase for aspiring designers looking to break into the licensed fashion industry.
At the end of the competition, two winners will be selected—one chosen through audience voting and another by an expert panel of judges.
Each winner will receive:
- A $2,000 cash prize
- The potential opportunity to collaborate with Her Universe on an official fashion collection
For many past participants, the competition has opened doors to careers designing officially licensed apparel for some of the biggest entertainment brands in the world.
Why It’s One of Comic-Con’s Signature Events
Over the past decade, the Her Universe Fashion Show has grown from a niche fan event into one of San Diego Comic-Con’s most celebrated traditions. Combining cosplay, haute couture, and storytelling, it has become a showcase for the incredible creativity found within fandom.
With an all-DC theme, a talented group of designers, and career-changing opportunities on the line, this year’s show promises to deliver another unforgettable night of fashion inspired by some of comics’ greatest heroes and villains.
If you’re attending Comic-Con, expect the Harbor Ballroom to fill quickly as fans gather to see which designer will take home this year’s top honors.
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