As soon as I saw the preview photo of the Her Universe Hoth pin up dress, I knew I had to have it. In fact, I was so worried about missing out on the amazing new collection from Her Universe, I skipped the J.J. Abrams/Kathleen Kennedy panel and lined up for the exhibitor hall instead – so I could rush in to buy the Star Wars fashion on my *need* list. Judging by the huge crowds at the booth, I’d say a lot of other women did too! When it was my turn at the counter, I was very sad to hear they didn’t have my size of the Hoth dress on hand – so after buying the other items on my list I quickly headed back to my hotel room and ordered one on-line. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it was a little frustrating that I had to pay shipping when I was right there at the convention, but I really didn’t want to miss out. My regular shipment from my US mailbox has just arrived, and I am so happy to finally have my Hoth dress!
I had seen Her Universe answer a question about pricing on their Facebook page prior to Celebration, so I knew what the price of the dresses would be. I have heard some people were surprised at the cost of US$150 – this is a very reasonable price for the quality. These are not like the stretchy skater dresses – these are proper gowns, fully lined and very well sewn with custom printed Star Wars fabric. I would much rather have a unique garment like this than a pile of t-shirts. The Hoth pin up dress was made in sizes XS to 5X – at time of writing only L and XL are still available *update* Her Universe have confirmed they will be bringing this dress to Star Wars Weekends, so hopefully we’ll see the other sizes restocked on-line too! I purchased mine in XS – the sizing chart notes this as bust 31-32″, waist 24.5-26.5″, hips 34-35″. I found that this dress is true to it’s size chart, keeping in mind that it’s meant to be quite fitted when worn. The skirt measures approximately 58cm long from front waist seam to hem.
The bodice is fully lined with a grey satin, which reminds me of the AT-AT. The bodice has top stitched princess seams in the front and darts from the waist at the back. The bodice lining joins the skirt lining at the waist seam, all neatly sewn so there aren’t exposed edges. The skirt is lined with white satin, no thin cheap fabric here. The dress closes up the back with an invisible zip. Her Universe had a great sizing chart at Celebration Anaheim, as well as changing rooms to try them on. Inspired by vintage fashion, this dress is made from woven fabric which does not stretch, it is meant to fit snug to the body. Ashley wears hers with a white petticoat underneath – I am quite keen to buy one to wear with my Hoth dress for a fuller skirt option.
Of course, my favourite part is the printed skirt. On the front is a scene with AT-ATs, an AT-ST and snowspeeders, while the back panel has some very cute tauntauns. I am not aware of the artist, the design appears to have been created specifically for Her Universe to use for this dress. The skirt panels are sewn from full sublimated print fabric, with the skirt hems all folded over twice so no edges are seen. The centre back seam is attached to the lining, so it sits nice and flat. As this dress was photographed straight after arriving in the mail, you can see how it can crease if folded. The garment tag notes this is 100% polyester, do not use steam when ironing and use the heat seating appropriate for polyester. I am so happy to have this gorgeous dress for my wardrobe – I hope Her Universe designs more unique garments like this in the future.
