Think back a few years ago. It was difficult for female fans of Star Wars to find any clothes designed specifically for them. There were definitely female fans, but the merchandise largely overlooked that market. There’s where Ashley Eckstein stepped in. With her experience doing voice artist work for Star Wars Clone Wars animated series, she parlayed her closeness to her fans into a fashion empire with Her Universe.
In big news announced today, Eckstein’s line has arranged a deal with Marvel Entertainment and Disney Consumer Products to create a fashionable collection of empowering Super Hero apparel for the ever-growing female fan base of Marvel comics, films and television series. The Marvel by Her Universe line of “geek couture” is premiering with an action-packed assortment of Captain America fashion items along with fan favorite Marvel characters on fashion tops, tanks, dresses, cardigans, hoodies, skirts, leggings and more that will inspire fangirls of all ages to channel their inner Super Hero.
Along with Spider-Man and Avenger characters like Loki, Thor and Iron Man, there are also strong female characters such as Black Widow, Elektra, She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel being spotlighted in their own comics and Marvel’s new “Characters and Creators” initiative which aims to speak directly to an audience of women and girls, the Marvel by Her Universe line will celebrate this effort by creating fashion forward products exclusively for the female Marvel fan.
“At Marvel we actively seek innovative opportunities to leverage our iconic characters in the marketplace and expand our storytelling to a larger audience,” said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products. “This collaboration with Her Universe presents our brand in exciting new ways at retail while reinforcing Marvel’s values of empowerment and strength amongst our female demographic.”
Actress and entrepreneur, Ashley Eckstein, who launched Her Universe with her business partner, The Araca Group, in 2010, is well-known to sci-fi fans as the voice of Dagger on the animated series, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man.
“I am so excited to announce that we have joined forces with Marvel for a Her Universe line of apparel,” said Eckstein. “The fans have been asking us to make Marvel merchandise and it’s been on my wish list for a long time! There are so many compelling characters in the Marvel Universe and it is a dream come true to be able to collaborate with Marvel and design with these celebrated Super Heroes and villains!”
“As long time devoted fans of the Marvel Universe,” added Michael Rego, Chief Executive Officer of The Araca Group, “we feel incredibly humbled to work alongside this most iconic brand – ‘Nuff said!'”