Comic-Con: The high-fashion cosplay of Her Universe fashion contest
Couture meets cosplay on the runway of Her Universe and Hot Topic 2017, where talented artists make creative outfits inspired by their favorite fandoms.
"If you can dream it. You can do it."
Comic-Con crowds gathered Thursday night at the Manchester Grand Hyatt to see the fashion contest organized by Her Universe and Hot Topic.
Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, had a dream that started six years ago and today it's one of the most anticipated events at Comic-Con International. She kickstarted the fashion contest with a very special opening...
The transformation
Just like you would expect in a fairy tale, her dress transformed into this beautiful gown inspired by Cinderella and created by Andrew MacLaine.
Cinderella
The dress was made with 50 yards of fabric and around 55,000 hand-sewn beads, and it took him only three days. Fairy godmother, anyone?
The houte of Te Fiti
The artist to start the fashion show was Adria Renee with her "Moana"-inspired dress.
From rags to riches
Caroline Liu sought inspiration in the story of Cinderella for her gown.
From rags to riches
Enchanted rose
Lynne Marie Martens created this beautiful gown inspired by "Beauty and the Beast."
Enchanted rose
Wayfinder
Sam Skyler created this gown inspired by "Moana."
Wayfinder
A closer look to the top of the dress.
Wayfinder
Ohana means fashion
The Disney classic "Lilo & Stitch" was the inspiration for costume designer Tanya Apuya here, and I loved the camera purse touch.
Ohana means fashion
Tano couture
"Star Wars: Clone Wars" was the franchise behind this beautiful dress created by Rachel Roth.
Tano couture
Rachel is also a cosplayer.
Tano couture
A heart of Kyber
"Rogue One" inspired designer/cosplayer Britley Morgan Smith.
A heart of Kyber
Sorceress supreme
This Doctor Strange-inspired creation is by Rose Ivy.
Sorceress supreme
You gotta love those bracelets.
Sorceress supreme
I am Groot
Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy is what fueled Judy Ann Grivich.
I am Groot
This gown had LED lights but the effect was hard to capture with the camera.
Doctor Strange's journey
Lauren Andrews used ice to dye the fabric in the inner part of the gown.
Doctor Strange's journey
As you wish
The classic film "The Princess Bride" is what Harmony Star Leiker drew on to create this two-piece outfit.
As you wish
As you wish
The dress without the jacket.
As you wish
Love the detail in the back.
Leader of the pack
This three-piece outfit was created by Lindsay Meesak Orndoff.
Leader of the pack
Her muse was "Princess Mononoke."
Leader of the pack
Leader of the pack
And we got another clever purse.
Justice rains from above!
Chatam Smith created this two-piece set inspired by the game Overwatch.
This was a triumph
Portal was what fueled the imagination of Kelsey Michelle to create this gown.
This was a triumph
A closer look to the details of the top. The headpiece had LED lights.
This was a triumph
Style never dies
Candice Stephenson's gown was also inspired by Overwatch.
Style never dies
Pure imagination
Willy Wonka was behind this dress from Ericka Angiuli.
Pure imagination
Into the night
Elissa Alcala created this two-piece outfit inspired by Vampire Hunter D.
Into the night
That cape is very impressive.
The Upside Down
This was a very runway moment. Kristi Siedow-Thompson looked to "Stranger Things" to create this striking look.
The Upside Down
A closer look at the model, whose makeup reminds us of Eleven.
The Upside Down
The bathhouse
This gown was created by Hailey Jensen, inspired by the film "Spirited Away."
The bathhouse
Nephilim: Warrior angel
Shadowhunters fuled the creativity of Judith Armas.
Nephilim: Warrior angel
I was able to capture a moment of the great twirl.
Nephilim: Warrior angel
Annville's revival
Sarah Hambly loves geek couture and she created this angular gown inspired by the comic and TV show "Preacher."
Annville's revival
Annville's revival
Princess of the wolves
"Princess Mononoke" was also the inspiration for Lydia Tachkov.
Princess of the wolves
Here comes the rain
This "The Matrix"-inspired outfit had fiber-optic lighting in the liner. It's the creation of Athena Eagar.
The diva Plavalaguna
Rebecca Jordan was inspired by the singer in "The Fifth Element" to create this striking gown.
Don't panic
This transforming gown, inspired by "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," is made with towels! See the next photos for the full transformation.
Don't panic
Don't panic
Don't panic
Don't panic
BB-8 made an appearance
An adorable BB-8 was in charge of delivering the envelope with the winners.
The winners will be in charge of designing a 2018 Disney Princess fashion collection for Her Universe.
The winners!
For the first time, the judges struggled to pick a winner, so there was a tie between Rose Ivy and Lindsay Meesak. The audience winner was Grace Johnston.
I definitely enjoyed the show more than I expected. I was impressed with the level of high fashion and also the emotional element of the whole experience. It was beautiful celebration of passion and creativity that inspired the audience to dream big while flaunting your fandom.
See our full coverage of Comic-Con here and don't forget to check out our giveaway.