You know some things that make geek girls happy? I mean, other than Jamie Bamber wearing only a towel? Being recognized as legitimate science fiction fans and having merchandise made just for us. It’s a great feeling to be able to get clothes that express one’s fandom, fit, and look stylish. Tons of lucky girls got to experience this at San Diego Comic-Con thanks to Her Universe.
Though the online store has been open for a month, Her Universe made its convention debut at San Diego Comic-Con. I made it a point to stop by the booth because a girl can never have enough Star Wars clothing. True story. While I was there, Ashley Eckstein, founder of the company and voice of Ahsoka Tano (The Clone Wars), took a few minutes away from her busy booth to discuss what Her Universe is about.
Eckstein is passionate about merchandise and recognition for the female fans. As a voice for fans, she can get our words to the right ears. She wants Her Universe to be more than just a clothing line and more than just Star Wars. She plans to open message boards on the website and create a community where women can interact with other fans. She said, “We’re not trying to say that this is a girl’s club, we’re just trying to get equal treatment and we’re just trying to be recognized.”
Eckstein stated that she has been lucky to have Lucasfilms at her side. They have been incredibly supportive. They know they have female fans, and they want to cater to them. They started by creating the character of Ahsoka Tano for The Clone Wars. They are making strides to include more strong female characters. Lucas said he wanted Anakin to have a padawan, and he wanted the character to be female. Eckstein also pointed out the roles that females of the Expanded Universe are getting in The Clone Wars. You get to learn more about characters like Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee. It’s a positive message for female viewers, young and old.
Her Universe hosted a panel at Comic-Con, and with female writers and artists on the panel, Eckstein really wanted to have an open discussion about what role women play in science fiction, especially behind the scenes. For example, a lot of women are behind the science fiction series that men love. They choose the scripts, develop them, and write them. Yet, as Eckstein mentions, “There’s still this barrier and stereotype that it’s a guys club.” She said that a large portion of the consumer market is controlled by woman, and about fifty percent of sci-fi fans are females. The door is definitely open.
Every time I passed the booth (which was often, I somehow always ended up going to the entrance right by the Star Wars pavilion – it was probably the Force guiding me) a small crowd was lined up. I got the impression that everyone was equally excited to support the company and what it stands for. I’m sure they were also jazzed about the fantastic clothes. As Eckstein posted on her blog earlier this week, they exceeded the sales goals they set for the convention. Please go see them at Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando and help them keep growing!
Amy Ratcliffe still has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up. But until then, she will keep playing D&D, reading comics, and perfecting the ultimate chic lightsaber. Strong female characters in the world of geek (movies, comics, & books) influence her attitude and costumes. Visit her blog Geek with Curves.
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Amy Ratcliffe still has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up. But until then, she will keep playing D&D, reading comics, and perfecting the ultimate chic lightsaber. Strong female characters in the world of geek (movies, comics, & books) influence her attitude and costumes. Visit her blog Geek with Curves or follow her on Twitter. 
Very excited about getting my hands on a Her Universe shirt soon! Sad that I'm having to get it in a roundabout way though – the only people more neglected than female fans are non-US & Canada fans! Europe loves you too, geek world, and we want your products!
It's exciting to see organisations like Lucasfilm recognising the massive proportion of female fans in the sci fi world today – it's going to take time but this is a great big step in the right direction!
I'm assuming they'll be at Dragon*Con in September, too, as I saw that Her Universe is a sponsor in the recent magazine update that came to the house this past week. Very excited for that!
After seeing them mentioned a lot on Twitter after SDCC, I went to their site and loved what I saw. However, as it's only Star Wars stuff at the moment, I sent them a feedback email suggesting other properties I'd like (BSG/Caprica universe and Doctor Who!). I also asked them to make sure they have plus sizes, as a lot of geek girls are bigger girls like me, and we'd like to NOT have to wear men's shirts all the time. Within a day, I got an email back addressing my concerns and saying that they WLL be expanding their licenses and that they plan on having a great plus-size selection! Props to Her Universe for actually LISTENING!
I hope they ship directly to overseas soon. Darnit!
I was pleasantly surprised and happy when she mentioned how supportive Lucasfilms was.
Yep, they'll be there! I hope Ashley is at the booth, she is super nice and passionate!