by Zoe Gaussoin, Assistant Editor
photos courtesy Mark Edwards Photography
Her Universe 2025: Fashion That Defies Expectations
Ashley Eckstein continues to stretch the very limits of imagination with Her Universe, and in 2025 she broke through the rainbow, pulling us all past the twister and straight into a shimmering Emerald dream. The night was fearless, fabulous, and pure delight, the kind of Oz where every stitch felt alive and every turn of the runway revealed new magic. This year’s show was themed Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations, and like the yellow brick road, the night pulled us forward step by step into a world of heart, brains, courage, and dazzling couture. Her Universe has always promised inclusion, creativity, and joy, but this time the Emerald City glow bathed the entire ballroom, reminding us all that every fan belongs in this magical universe.
Ashley made her grand entrance as Glinda, floating onto the stage inside a shining bubble that rolled across the crowd like a dream. The room erupted. Beside her was Broadway’s own Michael James Scott, beaming with his infectious presence and carrying us through the evening with warmth, wit, and his larger than life voice. Together, the pair once again proved themselves the perfect co-pilots of Her Universe of geek couture.
A Wickedly Inclusive Night
The stage sparkled in pink and green, a true tribute to Glinda and Elphaba. Ashley’s vision was clear from the very start. This was more than fashion. This was defiance. This was courage stitched into gowns, brains crafted into silhouettes, heart beating in every stitch. Even the judges’ table reflected the message. Seated with Ashley were returning winners Wes Jenkins and Candice Miller, Variety’s Marc Malkin, Hot Topic’s Robin Motts, and the radiant Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose in Wicked. Having that amazing actress at Her Universe 2025 made the event all that more magical.
The Designers
One by one the designers poured their souls onto the runway. Their work became spells, their garments became portals into Her Universe. Each brought a different piece of magic fabric and wove a delightfully vast universe into the spotlight.
Aaliyah Frye dared us to find anyone wearing an outfit matching hers. We’re still looking. Follow @small_frye_designs.
Caitlin Beards delivered Couture of the Dead, shimmering in hieroglyphs and glowing like haunted emerald fire. This look would later take the Audience Award. Follow @ladyavadesigns.
Cat Gravereaux wove jurassic into fabric, and transformed from functional to fierce. Follow @kyasarin.cosplay.
Catherine Hart left our stomachs behind the last bend with her functional rollercoaster outfit.
Emma Joy danced light across her gown, playful and radiant. Follow @hunnie_bunnie_bee.
Ericka Angiuli stitched lightning into the clouds, the kind of work you lean closer to see. Follow @angiuli_designs.
Grace Meeks brought romance spun into bold shape. Follow @graceandtruththreads.
Jennifer Biladeau brought out her inner dragon. Follow @sewsaywealldesigns.
Jen Wolff brought class alongside a classic Universal monster and created what we thought was the most wearable outfit of the night. Follow @jwolff501.
Katherine Everything pulled whimsy into our hearts, reminding us that ET will always be right here. Follow @katherine_everything.
Katie Strube brought the joy of banana yellow minions to life in her layered offering. Follow @kstroobzcosplay.
Kayleigh Michelle gave her runway look a kinetic spark, a movement that caught every eye. Follow @signed_km.
Kiki Cotter balanced boldness with a sense of confusion.
Leah Mednick brought the fire. Follow @imleahnotleia.
Lynleigh Sato dazzled with Poppy’s Hues of Happiness, her Trolls inspired creation bursting with color and joy. This breathtaking piece earned the Judges Award. Follow @lynleighsato.
Mandy McLean Couch played with silhouette, bringing teeth to her Toothless homage. Follow @defiantly_mandy.
Margaret Kidwell went big as a peacock with her comedy fandom. Follow @madgical.creations.
Megg Waddington, It was 2082 miles to Chicago, she had a full tank of class, half a pack of cigarettes, it was dark and she was wearing sunglasses. Follow @costumesbymegg.
Melissa Lynette embodied villainous elegance, sleek and commanding. Follow @houseofsedgeandbee.
Meredith Heika brought the great and powerful to the runway. Follow @meredithheika.
Paige Campbell sculpted fun into formalwear, reminding us couture can play. We only wished her tubules had cooperated. Follow @quasar__creations.
Prue brought down the house, or at least a chandelier. Follow @prue_ductions.
Samantha Strickland showered us with screams. Follow @unoriginalsam85.
Steph Piper floated across the stage, fabric alive with a gossamer lightness… and a rodeo not of planet Earth. Follow @stephpipercosplay.
Terence Johnson brought a very wearable regal finale, crisp and commanding, sealing the night with authority. Follow @terencebjohnson.
Intermission and Finale
As models took a break, Michael James Scott swept the runway once again, delivering a medley that lit up the crowd. Ashley shared her gratitude and her tears, reminding us that Her Universe has always been more than a brand. It is family. It is community. It is a promise that every voice matters.
The final group returned to thunderous applause, and then came the moment. Judges crowned Lynleigh Sato the Judges Winner. The crowd roared as Caitlin Beards took the Audience Award. Both received two thousand dollars and the opportunity to design collections with Her Universe.
Heart, Brains, Courage
This year’s show proved the theme. Fashion that defies expectations. Designs that shimmer with courage, thought, and heart. Ashley Eckstein once again built a space where fans transform into family and fandom becomes fabric.
As the lights dimmed, the yellow brick road stretched further, not an ending but a continuation. Her Universe is still growing. Still glowing. Still defying.
ComicsOnline will keep following Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe wherever the yellow brick Milky Way leads.
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