San Diego Comic-Con 2024 kicked off with a spectacular event as the 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Mattel, drew a standing-room-only crowd. This year, fashion and fandom converged in a mesmerizing display of creativity and innovation, leaving attendees with an unforgettable experience.
A Dazzling Opening
The evening began with a bang as Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, unveiled a highly anticipated fashion first: a one-of-a-kind projection mapping dress that brilliantly blended cutting-edge technology and 65 years of Barbie fashion. This groundbreaking piece was the result of a collaboration between Eckstein and show director Jeremy Merrifield, alongside a team of over twenty designers, engineers, and artists. Using a 40,000 lumens precision BARCO projector and cutting-edge projection fabric from AV StumpFL, the dress featured seven iconic Barbie fashions and an eighth look designed by Andrew MacLaine, winner of the 2014 Her Universe Fashion Show.
Broadway star Michael James Scott ignited the audience with an electric rendition of Katy Perry’s “Roar,” setting the tone for an evening of excitement and celebration.
Geek Couture Takes Center Stage
Throughout the night, 25 designers showcased their extraordinary creations, each inspired by beloved fandoms and pop culture icons such as Barbie, Beetlejuice, Magic 8 Ball, Monster High, and Popples. The designs ranged from intricate craftsmanship to boundary-pushing innovation, celebrating the power of imagination and honoring milestone anniversaries: 65 years of Barbie, 35 years of Polly Pocket, and nearly 80 years of Mattel.
Award-Winning Designers
This year’s winners, who will receive the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe and a $10,000 prize in celebration of the 10th-anniversary show, were:
- Judges winner: Wes Jenkins from Orlando, FL (@artofwesjenkins)
- Audience winner: Candice Miller from Louisa County, VA (@candicedunlapmiller)
Also Check Out: Disney Celebrates 60th Anniversary Of Avengers and X-Men With Exclusive Mickey Mouse Variant Covers
The Fusion of Fashion and Technology
Denise Hatcher, Managing Director of AOA, and Emmy Award-winning director Jay Hatcher of Live Everyday Studios, led the innovative fusion between fashion and technology. AOA’s creative artists and technologists, spearheaded by Amara Freshour and Jake Taylor, designed a life-size Barbie box illusion, while altrd productions, led by Tony and Ashley Reser, created custom virtual Barbie fashions and animations.
The opening number was scored by renowned music team Nathan and Andrea Padgett, who reimagined “Roar” to reflect the music eras of Eckstein’s iconic Barbie looks, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster from tears to standing ovations.
Polly Pocket and Other Highlights
In celebration of Polly Pocket’s 35th anniversary, Mattel transformed the lobby into a whimsical Polly Pocket experience, with iconic pieces that transported visitors back to their childhoods. Eckstein herself donned a Polly Pocket-inspired look, featuring a heart-shaped skirt that opened to reveal a life-sized Polly Pocket compact.
Additional highlights included Eckstein and Scott appearing as Totally Hair Barbie and Ken, and later in matching outfits made from actual Uno cards. Scott also delighted the audience with a custom-made Hot Wheels suit and coat, designed by Kristi Siedow Thompson, winner of the 2018 Her Universe Fashion Show.
A Night to Remember
The evening was filled with fun and prizes, with audience members winning exclusive items such as 65th Anniversary Barbie dolls, Monster High backpacks, 35th Anniversary Polly Pocket compacts, and specialty Uno card decks.
For those who missed the live event, the Her Universe Fashion Show footage will be available online next week at Her Universe Channel.
This year’s Her Universe Fashion Show was not just an event but a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the timeless magic of fandoms. As Ashley Eckstein’s dream of merging fashion and technology came to life, the night proved that the possibilities in the world of geek couture are truly limitless.
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