“I think one of the worst feelings in the world is to feel invisible,” Eckstein said. įostering environments of positivity where everyone feels safe and heard is her priority, she said. Wade to the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in several states have heightened the feeling of being unwelcome in certain spaces for some fans.

But recent current events from the overturning of Roe v. In past interviews and in her 2018 memoir-slash-workbook, “It’s Your Universe,” Eckstein has been outspoken on inclusivity, anti-bullying and destigmatizing discussions around mental health. Historically, the Her Universe message has been one of celebrating and empowering the “outsiders” in fandom spaces that, until very recently, were primarily occupied by men. “I mean, there’s literally a street named after Nina West in Columbus, Ohio.” Besides being one of her favorite people on the planet, “Nina is just an icon,” Eckstein said. That’s also where West is an advocate for her hometown’s LGBTQ+ community.ĭuring and after the collaboration, they struck up a fast friendship. During the pandemic, Eckstein said she “slid into Nina’s DMs” to ask to collaborate on “On Our Sleeves,” a mental health awareness campaign at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Joining Eckstein as a co-host this year is celebrity drag queen and songwriter Nina West, who rose to fame while competing on season 11 of Ru-Paul’s Drag Race. Previous shows have featured the work of several designers from across Southern California who created looks inspired by movies and TV shows that range from “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park” to “Sailor Moon” and “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” Surprise guests sometimes appear in 2018, actress Jodie Whittaker made a dramatic runway entrance ahead of her historic debut as the first female Time Lord in “Doctor Who.”

Two winners will be chosen one by the audience and one by a panel of judges that include fashion industry experts and past winners. In a return to form, the show will highlight geek couture looks from 26 designers competing for the opportunity to create a fashion collection for Hot Topic. “It’s really going to be a celebration of everyone coming together,” Eckstein said, “and the fact that we’re home – that we’re back.” This year, the show, free for Comic-Con attendees of all ages, returns to its usual setting at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel as an in-person event on Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m. The event was streamed live on YouTube and audiences, who traditionally pick one of the two winners, could vote for their choice by email. Due to safety precautions, the next Her Universe Fashion Show was produced in a virtual format in November of 2021 during Home.

Ashley eckstein her universe