Her Universe Debuts New Line at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends 2013

Press Release:

The Force is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park as Star Wars Weekends returns May 17th through June 9th. Fans from all over the world come to share their love of all things Star Wars and Disney during this special event. Returning for the fifth year in a row is actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and founder of the popular sci-fi merchandise line for fangirls, Her Universe™. As with previous years, Eckstein will be bringing an all-new, unique range of Star Wars by Her Universe designs to the month-long event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fashion tops, tunics, tanks and dresses located in Darth’s Mall. Eckstein will be meeting fans and signing autographs every day during the event and she will also be returning as host for Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices each weekend.

“As a lifelong Disney fan, it’s a dream come true for me to return to Disney’s Star Wars Weekends and debut my new Her Universe merchandise,” said Eckstein. “It’s been an honor to work with Disney to create designs for this event. We have an assortment of new items for female fans of all ages, including our new exclusive Return of the Jedi necklace in honor of the 30th Anniversary!”

Her Universe has only made 1,250 necklaces to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this beloved movie. This extremely limited edition piece will come with an autographed certificate by Eckstein and will only be sold at select Her Universe events debuting at Star Wars Weekends. Only 500 necklaces will be available for sale at Disney starting on May 17th. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Also debuting at the event will be will the highly anticipated Rogue Squadron dress and X-Wing Pilot tank top. Other items premiering will be matching youth and adult R2-D2 tunic tops, an adorable youth Princess Leia tunic top, retro women’s fashion tops and a limited edition Asajj Ventress costume top.

Photo credit: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for Doctor Who and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Facebook (facebook.com/HerUniverse) and Twitter (twitter.com/HerUniverse).

About Disney’s Star Wars Weekends
Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17th through June 9th, Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is an annual event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park celebrating all things Star Wars. In addition to offering fans a unique opportunity to join Jedi Masters, Sith Lords and Star Wars celebrities for special shows, presentations, memorabilia and the all-new Star Tours attraction: Star Tours –The Adventures Continue. For more information on Star Wars Weekends, click here.

STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

This Return of the Jedi necklace honors the 30th Anniversary of the epic film. Her Universe has only made 1,250 necklaces to celebrate the anniversary.  This extremely limited edition piece will come with an autographed certificate by Eckstein and will only be sold at select Her Universe events and debuting at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends. Only 500 necklaces will be sold at Star WarsWeekends on a first come, first serve basis!

Perfect for spring and summer, this A-line Rogue Squadron dress features the Rebel Alliance symbol on the front and the title Rogue Squadron on the back!

Revisit the dark side in this retro tee featuring the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Vader! This is a recreation of a popular shirt back from the 80′s.

For the 30th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi we used this well-known design from the classic Han Solo Underoo’s set for kids from the 80′s on this new retro tee.

This gorgeous artwork featuring Padme Amidala is the perfect complement to our previous best-selling Her Universe Padme Nouveau shirt.

Pretend that you are a part of the Rogue Squadron in this colorful hooded racer-back tank. With the hoodie up, you’re ready to pilot an X-wing yourself!

 

Trained in the ways of the dark side, Asajj Ventress is a formidable adversary on The Clone Wars. Now you can wear this hooded tank based on the beloved female bounty hunter/assassin and show your dark side!
Everyone needs a classic Star Wars logo tee, but it’s even better when it’s tie dye! You’ll love this new fashion top, also available in plus sizes.
Any Padawan would be proud to wear this fun shirt exploding with the famousStar Wars phrase “May The Force Be With You.”
By popular demand, Ashley heard the requests to create a scaled down version of our popular adult Princess Leia hoodie for young girls. Now, here it is! Slip the hoodie on, buns and all, and you instantly become a self-rescuing princess!
Everyone’s favorite little droid comes to life in this ultra comfortable R2-D2 hooded tunic -available in both adult and youth sizes!
Everyone’s favorite little droid comes to life in this ultra comfortable R2-D2 hooded tunic -available in both adult and youth sizes!

Her Universe Brings Exclusive Dr. Who T-Shirt to Gallifrey One

Press Release:

Her Universe™ founder, and voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ashley Eckstein, will be appearing at the upcoming Doctor Who fan convention, Gallifrey One, the annual North American Doctor Who celebration, February 15th thru the 17th, at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel in Los Angeles, California. In addition, Eckstein will be bringing along the Her Universe booth filled with all the latest Her Universe Doctor Who fangirl apparel including an exclusive Doctor Who tee, limited to 300, featuring the art of renowned illustrator Russell Walks, only offered at the Gallifrey One 2013 convention. Eckstein will be meeting fans at the Her Universe booth and offering personal styling tips to fangirls throughout the weekend. In addition, she will be appearing on several panels and on stage for a discussion with fans.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Gallifrey One,” said Ashley Eckstein. “It’s an exciting time to be a Doctor Who fan as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this iconic series. In honor of this special event, we are excited to be offering an exclusive design by Russell Walks! Russell and I will be at the Her Universe booth throughout the convention and we look forward to meeting fans throughout the weekend.

“I’m super-excited to be spending the weekend with Ashley and the Her Universe crew eating fish fingers & custard and talking about Doctor Who with the best fans in all of space and time,” said Russell Walks. “I’m also thrilled that ‘The Girl Who Waited’ design on which I worked so hard will finally be available for fans who love Amelia Pond as much as I do!”

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for Doctor Who and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Facebook (facebook.com/HerUniverse) and Twitter (twitter.com/HerUniverse).

About Gallifrey One 2013
The 24 Hours of Gallifrey One is in its 24th year and is the world’s largest and longest-running Doctor Who fan convention, celebrating the golden anniversary of Doctor Who this year. For more information on Gallifrey One 2013 go to www.gallifreyone.com

About Russell Walks
Although his original career goals included both becoming bionic and joining the rebellion against the Empire, Russell Walks eventually decided that his destiny lie along another path, and chose art school over adventure. Since beginning his career as a professional illustrator, Walks has created art based on licensed properties for a variety of clients, including Lucasfilm, Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Marvel. Walks is also a successful painter; his personal work has won both regional and national acclaim, and hangs in private collections throughout the world. Walks only recently discovered the “Whoniverse,” and is extremely excited to be attending his first Doctor Who convention.

Her Universe Introduces Everyday Cosplay

Press Release:

This Halloween, Geek Girls do not have to sacrifice fashion for a cheap costume they’ll wear only once. Actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and founder of the female sci-fi apparel line, Her Universe™, revealed today her line of fashionable costume hoodies, tops and a Hot Topic exclusive TARDIS dress dubbed “everyday cosplay” just in time for the Halloween season. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Star Trekor Doctor Who, Her Universe has you covered to be the stylish one this fall and all year long. And now, until October 22nd (for guaranteed 10/31 delivery), Her Universe (www.heruniverse.com) is offering FREE GROUND SHIPPING on any order of $50.00 or more.

“I have a tub full of Halloween costumes that I have spent a lot of money on which I’ve only worn once,” said Eckstein. “My goal for our ‘everyday cosplay’ line is for girls to be able to wear these fashionable costumed looks on Halloween and all year round! I’ve always been a savvy shopper and I try to get the most for my money.”

New to the “everyday cosplay” line from Her Universe is the Star Trek Spock zip-up hoodie featuring the famous original series blue uniform top where fangirls, with the hood up, can be their favorite Vulcan, complete with pointy ears. Also new this fall season is the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ahsoka Tano adult tunic top which complements the already released Ahsoka tunic for young girls and the very popular Princess Leia costume hoodie - perfect for any Halloween party or everyday wear. For female Whovians, Eckstein has collaborated with retailer Hot Topic to create Her Universe’s first

fashionably-fun, stylized dress based on Doctor Who’s beloved time-traveling TARDIS – available online NOW at Hot Topic and at Hot Topic retail stores. And what better way to accessorize all of these pieces than with the new Her Universe Star Wars Halloween Tote Bag featuring all-new original art by renowned artist Katie Cook – perfect for fans of any age for school, work, shopping and, of course, trick or treating! Katie’s very popular Her Universe Halloween Tote Bag sold out last year at record speed! The bags are only available for a limited time, so get them while supplies last.

“I was thrilled when Ashley asked me to do another Halloween bag design,” said Katie. “I’ll take any chance I get to draw Darth Vader in a silly costume! Ashley and I came up with the idea for this year’s bag at Celebration a few weeks ago and I couldn’t wait to come home and get started on it.”

All of these “everyday cosplay” pieces for Halloween and beyond can be found on heruniverse.com with the Doctor Who TARDIS dress available NOW online at Hot Topic and Hot Topic retail stores. Eckstein can be seen wearing many of the “everyday cosplay” pieces as co-host for MTV Geek’s coverage (mtv.com/geek/) of New York Comic Con October 11th-14th.

About Her Universe 
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Warsapparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for Doctor Who and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Facebook(facebook.com/HerUniverse) and Twitter (twitter.com/HerUniverse).

About Katie Cook
Katie Cook is an illustrator and writer that lives in Michigan. She has done work for Lucasfilm, The Jim Henson Company, Marvel Comics and more. Her websites are www.katiecandraw.com and www.gronkcomic.com

Her Universe Exclusives at Star Wars Celebration VI

Press Release:

The largest gathering of Star Wars fans, Star Wars Celebration VI, is about to take place again in Orlando, Florida August 23rd through the 26th and Ashley Eckstein announced today that she and her fangirl apparel company, Her Universe™, will be there in a big way with a special event, a panel and exclusive merchandise.

• After receiving hundreds of requests from female fans all over the country to be a Her Universe model, Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) is offering a free Her Universe photo shoot on Saturday, the 25th from 10am till 7pm in room W305A. Girls are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Her Universe top or hoodie to be photographed by professional photographer Preston Mack (www.pmack.com).  Her Universe shirts will be provided just for the photo shoot if girls do not have one on that day. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside of room W305A that morning for those wishing to reserve a time slot and it will be first come, first served. The completed photos will be posted to a special photo board following the event on Facebook so girls can tag, share and download their photos. “Her Universe is a brand for the fans, and when the fans overwhelmingly tell me what they want, I do my best to make it happen,” said Ashley Eckstein.  “It’s important to me that I am not the only Her Universe model because fangirls come in all ages, shapes and sizes and I want to represent the entire fangirl community by using real fans as my models.  I am also so excited to have Preston Mack! He is such an accomplished photographer and I am honored that he will be sharing his time and talents with us!”

• In addition, Eckstein will be hosting a very special panel  with author Carrie Goldman based on her new book, Bullied – What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear. Carrie is the mother of Katie Goldman, the little girl who was bullied for carrying a Star Wars  water bottle to school. Carrie has spent the past year and a half researching and writing about this topic and Ashley encourages fans to come and join the conversation.  The panel will take place on Thursday, the 23rd from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM in room W311 ABCD.

•  Celebration would not be complete without exclusive Star Wars merchandise and Eckstein divulged that Her Universe will have two exclusives that fans have been asking for at the Her Universe booth #915.  One of the most popular characters from the Star Wars expanded universe, Mara Jade, will be featured on a stunning new V-neck shirt with original art by renowned artist, Cat Staggs. Only 300 of these shirts will be available at CVI. “This is a shirt I was very excited to do,” said Cat Staggs.  “I love Mara and wanted to depict her as both beautiful and powerful. She, like Leia, is such a fantastic character that while charming your socks off she can also take you down… I hope fans enjoy the shirt just as much as I did creating it.”  Second, to accent the Mara Jade V-neck shirt, fans will have one more chance to pick up the exclusive R2-D2 3D Sterling Silver plated charm to add to the existing Star Wars by Her Universe charm bracelet. Standing 3/4” in height, there will be only 300 of these adorable little droid charms available at the convention. However, Eckstein recognizes that not all fans have the opportunity to join the fun and travel to Celebration VI, so she is making available a limited number (50 of each) of the two exclusive CVI items on www.heruniverse.com. The exclusives will be available starting at 10 AM EST on August 23rd. First come, first served. In addition to these exclusives, fans can buy Her Universe merchandise at booth #915 for female fans of all ages, including babies and plus sizes. Ashley will also debut two new tank top designs where fangirls can show their allegiance to the Republic or make a statement that they prefer the dark side.

About Star Wars Celebration
The biggest party this side of the galaxy, Star Wars Celebration VI brings fans of all ages together, from all points of the globe, to celebrate the pop-culture phenomenon that is Star Wars.  Both hardcore and casual fans will gather to have fun while celebrating their passion for all things Star Wars, discovering what’s new, and being the first to see what’s next.  It’s four fun-filled days of exhibits, a vibrant, interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, and other surprises.  The event runs from August 23rd to August 26th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. More info visit  www.starwarscelebration.com.

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for its Doctor Who franchise and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to  www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

About Photographer Preston Mack
Preston Mack is a professional photographer based in Orlando, FL. He shoots for advertising agencies such as Yellow Shoes Creative, The Meyocks Group, GSD&M, Carol H Williams Agency, PUSH and Fry Hammond Barr. His corporate clients include MLB Advanced Media, ECCO Shoes, Southwest Airlines, Kraft, Hy-Vee and Walt Disney World. For more info visit www.pmack.com/Facebook/Twitter: @photopreston

Her Universe Panel Announced for SDCC 2012

Press Release:

For the third year-in-a-row, actress and HER UNIVERSE™ Founder Ashley Eckstein will sponsor and host a panel at San Diego Comic-Con — but this time with a very special and unique participatory theme for girls at the convention. The panel, entitled, “Are You a Geek Girl Trendsetter? Show Off Your Style to the Fashion Experts and Win Prizes,” will take place on Saturday, July 14th from 6-7p.m. in room 25ABC and will feature an all-star group of experts made up of fashion buyers, designers, creators and actresses from the fashion and sci-fi worlds who will give their advice to fangirls on how to create their own style and look.  Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars) was inspired by the NBC television show Fashion Star to give female fans the opportunity to show their unique style and original designs to the experts through this panel!

Girls are asked to attend the panel in their own custom made or styled everyday geek/sci-fi inspired outfits and accessories. Up to 30 girls on a first come, first served basis will have the opportunity to show their outfits before our expert panel. Each panelist will then choose two girls who truly impressed them with their overall design and flair to become finalists.  Panelists will give their feedback and advice to the finalists and they will then choose a first, second and third place winner, each of whom will receive a special prize. The panel will be filmed by MTV Geek as part of their Comic-Con coverage.

Comic-Con is full of geek girls who create, design and construct their own fashions. Eckstein devised this panel as a way for girls to get feedback on their trendsetting creations from a special panel of fashion professionals:

Tarina Tarantino – World renowned designer whose jewelry, handbag, cosmetic and lifestyle collections can be found in the best luxury fashion stores internationally as well as her own trademark boutiques.

Ed Labay - Senior Buyer/Licensed Apparel for leading music and pop culture fashion retailer, Hot Topic, who helps determine the fashion trends for fanboys and fangirls through the chain’s more than 600 stores.

Courtney Lear – Social Media Manager for Hot Topic and self-proclaimed geekette who has her finger on the pulse of the fanboy and fangirl communities online.

Clare Grant – Actress (Robot Chicken and Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and producer and founder of Team Unicorn, a multi-media production team of fangirls whose videos have been seen by millions.

Bonnie Burton – Author and creator of the Star Wars Craft Book and geek girl extraordinaire.

Stepping in as co-host with Ashley for this very special panel is actress, “Geek Goddess” and voice of Padme Amidala in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Catherine Taber!  Her Universe will also be offering its licensed geek girl apparel at booth 2913-F in the Lucasfilm Pavilion at Comic-Con.

About Her Universe Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for its Doctor Who franchise. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to  www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

About Tarina Tarantino With a design aesthetic that is unmistakable and all her own, designer Tarina Tarantino along with her husband and partner Alfonso Campos founded the TARINA TARANTINO jewelry and accessories brand in 1995. Tarina’s original and co-branded designs, with brand giants such as Sanrio, Mattel and Paul Mitchell, are loved by celebrities and legions of fans and she has sparked a cult following that has spread globally. Tarina’s jewelry and accessories are all handmade in downtown LA in the heart of LA’s Fashion District ,and her designs can be found in her original boutiques in Milan, Los Angeles and nearly 2,000 luxury retailers worldwide. Coming soon, Tarina’s newest location, The Sparkle Factory will open in downtown LA. www.tarinatarantino.com

About Hot Topic Hot Topic is a mall- and web-based specialty retailer beloved by rebellious teens for more than 20 years. Hot Topic capitalizes on the latest trends in music and pop culture, offering band-related apparel and accessories, licensed merchandise, and fashion apparel and accessories to an edgy subculture of expressive individuals.  Hot Topic operates 624 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and an online store at hottopic.com. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube

About Team Unicorn Representing the idea that “like unicorns, geek girls aren’t supposed to exist”, Team Unicorn is a multi-media production team formed in Los Angeles, California in 2010. Its members are Michele Boyd, Clare Grant, Milynn Sarley, and Rileah Vanderbilt. www.teamunicornftw.com

Her Universe & BBC Debut Doctor Who Collection

Press Release:

Her Universe™, a leader in female genre merchandise, announced today a license with BBC Worldwide, to create a collection of Doctor Who apparel for the ever-growing female fan base for the television show.

Her Universe recognized the burgeoning force of female Doctor Who fans and the need to create unique apparel and merchandise just for them. The international iconic brand and television hit Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi series in the world and continues to earn critical acclaim as BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series as well as the #1 downloaded series for iTunes in 2011. The new Doctor Who collection by Her Universe will premiere in July with fashion tops featuring images, characters and phrases from the Doctor Who universe all with fashion-forward designs for girls to look “Geek Chic.” To recognize their female Doctor Who fans, BBC Worldwide has created a special Doctor Who logo which will only appear on merchandise from the Her Universe collection.

Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe and known to sci-fi fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano on the hit animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars also designed and created the Her Universe merchandise. “Her Universe is a line for the fans,” said Eckstein. “Many of our design choices and decisions are influenced by our fans and Doctor Who was the #1 requested license by fangirls for us to pursue next. It was truly a dream come true when BBC Worldwide asked us to do their female merchandise and I am beyond excited to share this extraordinary announcement with our girls today! In the words of the Doctor, I feel like screaming Geronimo!”

Doctor Who apparel and accessories from the Her Universe collection will be available in the U.S. and Canada at both www.heruniverseshop.com and BBCAmericashop.com and through national retail outlets such as Hot Topic. Throughout 2012, the Doctor Who merchandise will also be available at select conventions including San Diego Comic Con.

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for its Doctor Who franchise. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going towww.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

About BBC Worldwide Ltd.
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products and Brands, Consumers & New Ventures, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2010/11, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £160 million on sales of £1158 million and returned £182m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website:www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

Photo credit: - Kelsey Edwards Photography

Ultimate Clone Wars Cosplay

Press Release:

Actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on the popular Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, had the ultimate cosplay experience recently when she dressed up in full make-up and costume as the Star Wars character she brings to life on the show. She documents her experience and the world of cosplay in a new blog she has written exclusively for CNN Geek Out! online and shares photos of the finished product.

Cosplay, short for “costumed play,” is the experience that thousands of fans participate in each year at conventions around the world where they dress up as their favorite character from a sci-fi or fantasy movie, TV show, anime, video game or book. It attracts both young and old alike.

Those outside the world of cosplay don’t always understand the attraction fans have for bringing their favorite characters to life, however, Ashley, in her CNN Geek Out! blog explains why she not only understands their passion and enjoyment but embraces it. She reveals that she has secretly wanted to dress up as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan learner, Ahsoka Tano, for years.

“As the voice of Ahsoka, I simply go into the recording studio and record my lines for the show,” Ashley relates in her CNN Geek Out! blog. “There is no need to ever dress up as the character because they only need our voices to bring the character to life. However, I am also a fan, and year after year I have been going to conventions seeing hundreds of girls dressed up as Ahsoka, secretly wishing I, too, could someday try on the costume. Well, with the help of my friends, my wish was granted, and I got to dress up as Ahsoka for the day!”

When not recording the voice of Ahsoka, Ashley oversees her company, Her Universe, which produces fashionable sci-fi apparel and accessories for fangirls. To see the latest releases in the line visit the Her Universe website. To read Ashley’s full cosplay blog and to see more photos of Ashley as Ahsoka Tano visit CNN Geek Out!

Photo credit: Preston Mack

Geek Girls Invade NYCC 2011

Press Release:

One of the fastest growing demographics in the Science Fiction world today is the female audience, sometimes referred to as “Geek Girls.” They will be in full force at this year’s New York Comic Con October 13th-16th at the Javits Center.

Recognizing and embracing this incredibly important and increasing segment of the sci-fi audience, Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on the television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is bringing to New York Comic Con her new line of sci-fi fashion apparel and merchandise, titled Her Universe, designed exclusively for women who want to show their geeky pride and love of Science Fiction. Ashley has now become one of the leading voices for Geek Girls.

Married to former Major League Baseball player, two-time World Series Champion and World Series MVP, David Eckstein, Ashley has made a career of fighting for the underdog, of leading the charge to create a place for female fans in a pop culture community typically dominated by men. In addition to fighting alongside the male heroes in The Clone Wars, Ashley aims to help her fellow female fans find their rightful place in the pop culture community. Her Universe is a “geek chic” line featuring fashionable, female–focused apparel and accessories based on such high-profile entertainment properties as the beloved Star Wars franchise and Syfy’s most popular shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Warehouse 13 and more.

“Most people do not realize that close to half of all sci-fi fans are women,” said Ashley. “This all started when, selfishly, I wanted more Star Wars merchandise made for fangirls. I love sci-fi and I quickly found out that I wasn’t alone. I found scores of other fangirls online and at conventions who just wanted to be recognized and accepted in this unique genre. I felt that someone had to step up and give a voice to all of these passionate women, and that’s when I founded Her Universe.”

Fans attending New York Comic Con will find two convention-exclusive items from Her Universe – a Star Wars Naboo charm for the new Star Wars Charm Bracelet and a 100% sterling silver Battlestar Galactica Cylon Toaster Necklace. Plus, just in time for Halloween and available this year only at New York Comic Con, Ashley will be offering 100 Star Wars Halloween-themed earth friendly tote bags featuring the art of popular Star Wars illustrator Katie Cook – the perfect trick or treating bag for fans of all ages.

Official Pix Booth Autograph Schedule for SDCC

Official Pix has revealed the guests who will be signing at their booth at Comic-Con International.

Battlestar Galactica:

• Edward James Olmos
• Michael Hogan
• James Callis

Chuck:

• Zachery Levi
• Adam Baldwin

Star Wars:

• Mark Hamill
• Matthew Wood
• Anthony Forrest
• Matt Lanter
• Catherine Taber
• James A Taylor
• Ashley Eckstein
• Dee Bradley Baker
• Tom Kane

All actors and artists are subject to professional appearances. Check the site before traveling for any last minute updates. Check the booth for exact signing times. Special guests charge a fee for their autograph and or photograph opportunity. Inquire at the event for fees.