Originally published at: Marissa Bode Joins Her Universe Fashion Show as Guest Judge at SDCC 2025 -
Author: Newsroom
The 11th annual Her Universe Fashion Show returns to San Diego Comic-Con with glitz, geek couture, and a lineup of all-star talent—including the announcement of Wicked: For Good star Marissa Bode as this year’s celebrity guest judge. The highly anticipated show kicks off Thursday, July 24 at 6:00 PM PT in the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Presented by Universal Products & Experiences, this year’s theme—“Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations”—will spotlight 25 finalists debuting bold, one-of-a-kind designs inspired by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation franchises. A live audience and an amazifying panel of judges will help crown two winners, each receiving a $2,000 prize and the chance to design a fashion collection with Her Universe.
A Star-Studded Judges Panel
Joining Marissa Bode on the judging panel are:
- Marc Malkin, Variety Senior Editor, Culture & Events
- Robin Motts, SVP of Merchandising at Hot Topic
- 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Wes Jenkins and Candice Miller
The show will once again be directed by Jeremy Merrifield and co-hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars) and Broadway star Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway). The duo will also host the Her Universe After Party & Podcast Taping on Friday, July 25 from 10:00–11:00 AM at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at the San Diego Central Library, during a live taping of their podcast HypeFriend.
More On Marissa Bode
Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose in Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good (in theaters November 21, 2025), is the first wheelchair user to portray the role on screen. Her appearance as a guest judge highlights the fashion show’s commitment to inclusion, authenticity, and the power of representation in fandom and fashion alike.
Don’t miss this celebration of style and storytelling. Attendees will need a wristband for entry—visit Her Universe Fashion Show Info for full details. Show up, dress up, and cheer on your favorite designers as geek fashion takes center stage.