Fangirls are finally making a statement in the fashion community. This was evident at this year’s Comic Con International in San Diego as Her Universe, sponsored by Hot Topic and Nerdist, produced the first-ever fashion show. The show “Flaunt Their World” was a vision of Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein, who saw a need to give female sci-fi fans a place to showcase their talents. While Comic Con has been an outlet for fangirls to express themselves, this year gave thirty-six fashion designers the opportunity to share their talents on a far grander scale.
Inspired by a particular character, each designer created a look based on the inspiration. Divergent, The Hunger Games, Transformers, Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Once Upon A Time were just a few of the many TV shows and movies that stimulated the creative project. Many of the participating designers – like Lauren Bregman who created ” Effie’s Trinkets ” – have been making their own costumes for events such as Comic Con for years. All the designers were thrilled at the chance to share their perspectives on geek couture.
Two of the thirty-six designers were granted the lifetime opportunity to collaborate and co-design a Her Universe fashion collection along with Ashley Eckstein for Hot Topic. A panel of highly esteemed industry professionals chose one of the winners while the other was chosen by audience vote. After deliberation, the judges awarded Amy Beth Christenson who based her design off of Back to the Future. The second winner – chosen by the audience – was the show’s finale by Andrew MacLaine, who brought the crowd to it’s feet with his piece, “Regina’s Curse,” from ABC’s Once Upon A Time (Watch the clip here).
Comics and sci-fi are no longer just for children and the male population. Over half of sci-fi fans are women, and now they are making sure their voices are heard. Encouraged by Ashley Eckstein and the Her Universe empire, boxy men’s t-shirts have been replaced by adorable dresses made just for women, and inspired by Doctor Who and Star Wars. Women are taking charge and geek fashion is making its mark – and it’s clear this trend is here to stay. Nerds just may be the fashionistas of the future!
[infobox title=’About Writer:’]Natalie Ellen is Creative Director of Think Fashionably Enterprises www.ThinkFashionably.com[/infobox]
The times they are a changing. Natalie Ellen appears to have her finger on the pulse.