Los Angeles, CA June 29, 2018 – The world’s top “geek couture” fashion event, The Her Universe Fashion Show, is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year by returning to San Diego Comic-Con International with its biggest and best show yet. Host, actress, author of “It’s Your Universe” and Her Universe Founder, Ashley Eckstein, will be debuting a very special jaw-dropping gown created by 2013 fashion show winner, Andrew MacLaine. The 5th annual Her Universe Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, July 19th, 6pm, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego. Doors open to the public at 5:15pm.

Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic and Loungefly in partnership with BoxLunch, Cartoon Network, SINGER® Sewing Company and Zenni Optical this year’s milestone event brings together an all-new group of 24 aspiring designers who will present their original “geek couture” designs on the runway. Three winners will be awarded the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe and Loungefly for leading pop-culture retailer Hot Topic – a judges’ winner, audience choice winner and, for the first time, a SINGER® Sewing Company winner chosen for excellent sewing and construction. Last year’s winners have created designs for some of Hot Topic’s most popular and best-selling collections.

Cartoon Network will be joining The Her Universe Fashion Show this year with a first-ever Junior Designer Showcase – a competition for aspiring designers between ages six to seventeen. The four winners of the Junior Designer Contest will be announced and presented with the opportunity to design an apparel piece inspired by The Powerpuff Girls with Her Universe for the pop-culture and gifting retailer, BoxLunch. Cartoon Network will also give fans in the audience a chance to show off their individual style and walk the runway.

Behind the scenes, coverage will be provided to fans this year thanks to our special content sponsor, Zenni eyewear. Leading tech expert, geek fashion influencer, and eyewear connoisseur, Katie Linendoll, will be joining Ashley Eckstein as a special correspondent, bringing fans an additional point of view called “Eyes on the Runway” provided by Zenni.

Guest judges joining the Her Universe 2018 Fashion Show panel will be Cindy Levitt, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Hot Topic, Todd Keller, Merchandising Manager for Loungefly, Joanna Fogt-Sohn, Senior Creative Director for Licensing and Merchandising at Cartoon Network, Olivia Mears, SINGER® Sewing Ambassador, who creates wearable art using unconventional materials and is known for her “food fashion,” Jane Francisco, Editor-In-Chief of Good Housekeeping and 2017 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Rose Ivy, Grace Duval, and Lindsay Orndorff . Her Universe will be debuting new fangirl fashion designs at this year’s show and fan favorite DJ Amanda Jones will once again be returning to provide music for the event. Espionage Cosmetics is also returning as the beauty sponsor for the fashion show.