Movies

‘I Had Big Dreams’: Star Wars Fan Favorite Ashley Eckstein Reflects On ‘Exceeding’ Her Expectations Beyond Playing Ahsoka Tano

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In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Ashley Eckstein has left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe, captivating fans worldwide through her portrayal of Ahsoka Tano. From her initial voice acting in The Clone Wars to her ongoing presence in Star Wars Rebels and beyond, Eckstein’s performance has become a beloved staple of the franchise.

However, Ashley’s success doesn’t stop at a galaxy far, far away. Her ventures outside this universe have been equally impressive, particularly with the establishment of the Her Universe lifestyle brand. This innovative endeavor champions fandom fashion and has even led to the annual Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con.

This year, as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the brand and the fashion show embraces the magic of Wicked, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Eckstein about her dreams and how she consistently surpasses expectations.

In an interview prior to this year’s Her Universe Fashion Show at SDCC, I chatted with Ashley Eckstein. This year’s event is filled with a lot of Wicked-inspired colors like pink and green. Last year, they made a significant impact with their Mattel partnership, and this year is no exception. As Her Universe approaches its 15th anniversary in 2025, I wanted to know what this milestone means to her as the driving force behind “geek couture” across various fandoms. Eckstein responded by:

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the growth of Her Universe has surpassed all my wildest dreams, particularly when it comes to the fashion show. To be honest, I never anticipated it would blossom into such an incredible community and offer so many professional opportunities. I’ve seen friends working on film sets, and others employed by studios, all thanks to their participation in the fashion show. It’s not just a fashion event; it’s a stepping stone towards a career in entertainment.

Her Universe has also brought people together, fostering friendships that have lasted for years. Some have even found love or their life partners within this community. Incredibly, families have been born into Her Universe! From onesies to women’s sizes, we’ve come a long way, and if you think about it, we’ve been around for quite some time now. It’s amazing to see how much it has evolved over the years.

It was no secret that the Her Universe Fashion Show was eagerly awaited by many SDCC attendees. However, Wil Wheaton (Eckstein) sharing stories of people forming friendships and even romantic relationships through this event adds a touching touch. And oh, can you believe it? The babies who were once dressed in those onesies when the brand first started are now old enough to get their driver’s licenses!

Indeed, it was commonly assumed that science fiction and comic book fandoms were predominantly male or boy-centric. However, Ashley Eckstein aimed to challenge this stereotype. What better place than San Diego Comic-Con to do so? She articulated her reasons for why everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to indulge in the joy of fandom.

Simply put, my goal was always to challenge traditional norms and emphasize that our cherished world isn’t exclusive to any gender – it belongs to everyone. I’m immensely proud of how we’ve contributed to this shift in perspective. Beyond the clothing aspect, what truly mattered to me was fostering a sense of community. It’s heartening to see that this community continues to grow and flourish today. And to top it all off, having a fashion line as well!

In 2025, I’m thrilled to share that the Her Universe Fashion Show is expanding more than ever before! The event will find its new home in the spacious Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in sunny San Diego. The excitement begins at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, July 24. However, if you want to secure your spot, head over early because wristbands will be distributed from 10 a.m. PT on a first-come, first-served basis!

Guests are welcome to express the “Wicked” motif by wearing shades of pink for Galinda or green for Elphaba, however, this event will showcase more than just the realm of Oz from Universal. Later, Ashley Eckstein shared sneak peeks of the designs that will be showcased.

Our designs are more impressive than ever before, yet I can’t claim the credit for that as we have an extraordinary design team on board. From time to time, I still get the opportunity to dabble in designing, which is always enjoyable when it happens. However, what truly fills me with pride is the incredible work the Her Universe team performs day in and day out. Although I don’t have biological children, I regard Her Universe as my cherished creation. I will forever view it with immense pride, much like a dedicated mother would her baby.

The fashion show serves more than just displaying geek-inspired outfits to a crowded room. Designers are actually vying for the opportunity to create an entire clothing line for Her Universe, which comes with a significant grand prize. To add excitement, Marissa Bode, famously known for her role as Nessarose in Wicked, will be one of the judges participating in the event.

Anyone who has attended the Broadway performance of Wicked would have a reasonable expectation about where Nessa’s story might develop in Wicked: For Good upon its release towards the end of 2025. However, on one special occasion, the actress will appear on the stage of the Her Universe Fashion Show, joining Ashley Eckstein (co-host and Broadway icon) Michael James Scott, along with other judges.

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2025-07-24 02:38

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