STORY: Comic-Cons of the Future will be Bigger, Maybe Not at Comic-Con

Thirty designers will be chosen to show at the free event, with the designers then invited to model their own creations or allow a model of their choice to walk the catwalk. Two prizes will be awarded at the show: one chosen by a panel of judges made up of "experts from the world of fashion," and the second chosen by the audience at the show. The winners are being offered the chance to work with Eckstein to create a Her Universe-branded line for Hot Topic.

"Fangirls are already using the halls of San Diego Comic-Con International as their runway to showcase custom fashions," Eckstein, who created the Her Universe brand in 2009 to promote "fashion-forward" merchandise for female genre-fandom, said in a statement accompanying the announcement of the contest. "We wanted to give these designers a bigger stage to share their talent, and also provide an educational experience in the fashion industry."

Designers have until April 4 to submit, with finalists chosen by April 18. More details can be found here.