WOW invites designers and creators from around the globe to challenge the conventional, create the unimaginable, defy creative expectations and enchant the world with an extraordinary garment.
For over 35 years, finalists’ wonderful works of art have come to life in the spectacular annual WOW Show, held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington, New Zealand – and attracting delighted audiences of around 60,000 people.
Whether entering to design free from commercial restraints, to add to a student portfolio, or to push the limits of one’s imagination, the WOW Competition offers a truly unique creative outlet for all who enter.
Why Enter WOW?
As well as a total prize pool of over $185,000 (NZD), the WOW Competition offers the chance to access a Designer Development Award for future artistic growth, or an exclusive internship with global design company, Wētā Workshop (Wellington, New Zealand).
WOW also provides wearable art creatives and designers a platform to experiment with new techniques and technologies and build on professional portfolios of creative work.
When entering, designers become part of an international design community like no other and have the opportunity to have their work exhibited alongside other incredible designers and artists from around the world, to an emphatic audience of around 60,000 wearable art fans.
More about the WOW Competition awards and prizes.
Who Can Enter WOW?
The WOW Competition is open to anyone over the age of 18, from anywhere around the world. Individuals or teams consisting of two or three designers are permitted.
Fundamental to the WOW Competition is the principle that anyone can enter, and anyone can win. Competition finalists are determined through a closed-judging process where the judges are presented with the garment name and inspiration; however, the designer’s details and background experience are not disclosed, allowing the work to be considered solely on its own merit.
The international design community have until 1 March 2024 and New Zealand designers have until 1 May 2024 to complete their garments and online submission.
How To Enter:
The 2024 World of WearableArt Competition is calling for creatives to enchant the world now – for more information go to the WOW website.
Designers can begin their WOW journey now and create a WOW designer profile.