The most incredible geek event we've ever attended? That would be the first-ever geek couture fashion show held in July during San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Fandom fashion retailer Her Universe called upon the galaxy's most stylish designers, both professional and amateur, to present their original, handmade creations on the runway. Consider it a preview of what to expect at this year's festival.
What we saw was not cosplay. Oh no, these gowns could have belonged on the pages of Vogue or at New York Fashion Week. As one of the designers put it: for those who aren't geeks, the clothing would just seem cute and unique, but for those who are geeks and can recognize the reference, the garment has a special twist.
Ultimately, the event was a competition, in which the winner will codesign a fashion collection exclusively for Hot Topic. But in all honesty, the winner was all fangirls, everywhere, who now live in a time where wearing a t-shirt to express fandom isn't the only option. Continue on for a ranking of our favorite geeky gowns from the Her Universe show!
—Additional reporting by Kelly SchwarzePhotos: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
The feather detail for Loki's horns was just too good. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The Her Universe founder looked so adorable in this gown. The company is actually partnering with Studio Ghibli and will sell that collection exclusively through Hot Topic soon. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The butterfly handiwork was UNREAL. Also, this model is totally Adrianne Curry from America's Next Top Model. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
I DIE. So subtle, so chic.
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The sleek, red ponytail made this gown. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
The back of this dress was so sexy and rad. Those fingerless glove/claws were awesome, too. Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
She started with this superpractical hood on. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
We'd risk looking at a Weeping Angel just to take in the beautiful flowing strands of fabric feathers on the back of this dress. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Love the high-low look of this dress's skirt and its overall goth chic vibe. Vampy makeup is a must. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
As much detail as the tattoos on Four's back. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Then the hood flipped down into a dress! Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The skirt detail was so perfectly wacky and Luna. I loved that this outfit had a hippie '70s vibe. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Kid you not: that crazy shimmery dress emerged from underneath this cozy Winter coat — like MAGIC. It was (not surprisingly) the audience favorite. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
It had a little pull to reveal the Hobbit-esque trouser underneath. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Feather shoulders auto-win. Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
This outfit required major attitude. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
With the hat and everything, this number was so ready for Fall. Photo: Kelly Schwarze
FIERCE. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
This metal piece was incredibly badass. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
From, you know, that scene where she and Anakin suck face for the first time. Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
This outfit won the competition! Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The open back was so pretty. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
It actually transformed! Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
She also pulled two Poké balls out of her pockets! Photo: Kelly Schwarze
That little marquee over the chest flashed back and forth. Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
Photo: Kelly Schwarze
Photo: Nicole Nguyen
The lights changed colors! Photo: Nicole Nguyen