Tomorrow night will see the Her Universe Fashion Show return to San Diego Comic Con. The last few weeks have given us tidbits about the contestants, co-hosts and judges, and now the announcement that actress Marissa Bode will be a guest judge at the show. The Her Universe Fashion Show is always a not-to-be-missed celebration of fashion and fandom, and this year will be no different.
Here is more information from the official press release.
Actress Marissa Bode, globally recognized for her portrayal of Nessarose in Universal Pictures’ cinematic phenomenon Wicked and this year’s epic conclusion, Wicked: For Good (in theaters November 21), is set to join the judges’ table at the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal. Recognized for her work as a disability rights advocate, Bode joins the acclaimed SDCC event known for celebrating inclusivity, fandoms and the best in geek couture fashion.
Variety’s Marc Malkin, Senior Editor, Culture and Events, will also join this year’s panel for the first time with returning judge Robin Motts, SVP of Hot Topic Merchandising, and the 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show winners, Wes Jenkins and Candice Miller.
Award-winning director, writer, and producer Jeremy Merrifield will return as the show director for his 3rd consecutive year.
“Marissa captivated the screen in Wicked and I instantly became a Marissa Bode fan! Her talent, heart, beauty and genuine authenticity radiate off the screen and we are so incredibly honored to have her be a part of this year’s Her Universe Fashion Show!” – Ashley Eckstein
With the previously announced theme of “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations,” the show will highlight 25 finalists, who will each debut one-of-a-kind geek couture designs to an expected standing-room-only audience. The looks are inspired by Universal Pictures franchises and DreamWorks Animation franchises. The judging panel will choose one winner alongside the audience’s fan vote to determine the two designers awarded a cash prize of $2,000 USD and who may also be offered the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe!
Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano) and Broadway star Michael James Scott (The Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway) are returning to co-host for the third consecutive year. The duo will additionally host the “Her Universe Fashion Show After Party” on Friday, July 25 (10-11 am) at the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library during a live taping of their newly announced podcast HypeFriend!
The 11th annual Her Universe Fashion Show kicks off San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 24, beginning at 6:00 pm PT in Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Wristbands are required for entry. For more information, visit: www.heruniverse.com/her-universe-fashion-show/