And we're back! Except this time not from outer space... Once again, I was joined by the lovely Ashley Eckstein to discuss the Her Universe line and a couple of things Clone Wars.
MandyB: I understand that Her Universe will include t-shirts, hoodies, and certain accessories. What else can we look forward to seeing?
Ashley Eckstein: I view this line, especially for female Star Wars fans, as the sky?s the limit. Obviously we?re starting out w/ tees, sweatshirts, and some accessories, but I want Ahsoka?s boots (?)! It just lends itself to what girls are wearing today. All I can say is the more support we get; the more we?re going to be able to do. Really, we have to prove with the first collection, that enough girls will buy it, and if enough people support it, the more we will be able to do.
MB: There seems to be some sort of story behind every piece in the collection. I love that you have basically incorporated what makes Star Wars, Star Wars (the storytelling) in your line.
AE: The one thing when I first got the okay from Lucasfilm to do this line, you know they give you their style guide, and it is massive. There are so many designs and it can be a bit overwhelming, and you wonder where to start! There are so many things I want to do, but only so many t-shirts I can make in the beginning. As I went through the process, different designs were inspired by different stories of people. For instance, one of the shirts that Cat Staggs is designing was inspired by Cat Taber, the voice of Padme. There is a story behind each shirt, and once the online store is launched I want fans to see the story behind each shirt.
MB: Now that the second season of The Clone Wars is over, what do you think of your character?s development?
AE: I?m so excited about the evolution of Ahsoka in season two. She?s becoming more mature with each battle she goes through. She?s learned a big lesson through Plo Koon and she really is maturing. I?m just really proud of the direction she?s going in.
MB: I have such a soft spot for Ahsoka: she?s not a helpless girl and she has such spunk. On the other hand, I know that there is a group of fans resistant towards The Clone Wars and Ahsoka, in particular. Do you have an opinion or anything you want to share with those fans?
AE: You know, from the beginning, I?ve asked the fans for patience and to enjoy the evolution of the character, to go on this ride with her. Because, let?s face it, we know everybody else?s storylines. Besides these day-to-day storylines, we know what happens with the rest of the characters; we don?t know what happens to Ahsoka. If she started out perfect from day one, there?s no arc there, no storyline. (?) I really feel that by the end of the series, these fans that are skeptics will be won over by Ahsoka.
MB: Personally, I?m in the ?Dear Dave, please don?t kill Ahoksa? camp. I live in fear of her ultimate fate.
AE: I truly don?t know what?s going to happen to her. To be honest with you, I?ve heard some theories, and I?ve heard some of Dave?s theories, and I really don?t think it?s decided yet. And if it is? it?s locked away in Dave and George Lucas? minds.
MB: Is there anything you want to say to all of the SW fans out there?
AE: I?d just love it if everyone would spread the word about Her Universe, tell your family and friends and let them know that we are here! We?ll be updating the Facebook page, twitter, and my blog constantly!
MB: Ashley, I can't express my gratitude enough for what you are doing for the female fans. We appreciate you enthusiasm and availability so much.
The Her Universe official website can be found here. You can also keep up with the line on Twitter and Facebook.
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014: Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.