World of WearableArt™ Judging Criteria

A panel of judges evaluates every costume based on its originality, creativity, innovation and construction. To ensure that each entry is judged on merit, the judges are told the garment name and its inspiration but not the designer's name.

Approximately 170 finalists are chosen from over 300 entries, and these will go on to participate in the WOW Awards Show. They will be judged during a practice session and then, with full make-up, hair and stage lighting, at the dress rehearsal. Each entry is also eligible for the Mainfreight Packing Award (chosen by the WOW wardrobe team) and the Dominion Post People's Choice Award.

The Judging Criteria haven't changed much over 24 years although there are more Award categories and prizes, for example, the international prize. Competition Director Heather Palmer, involved since 1987 when her sister, Suzie Moncrieff, founded WOW, notes that they now give more support to entrants. "We host designer functions around the country which are particularly focussed on the themes for upcoming Awards. As a result, people are really grasping the concept behind the section briefs more than ever".

An online Judges' Forum, developed in 2006, allows designers to communicate with WOW and each other. Users can ask questions or comment on any aspect of entering the Awards, and share any helpful hints and ideas, and WOW can post questions and information to designers.

Designers are also encouraged to email or phone Heather directly, which allows them to have a confidential conversation about their entry, to make sure they are on the right track. Heather says this might be about their understanding or interpretation of the criteria – what is acceptable and what isn't, such as using a trademarked brand, or what is considered as recycling. A designer might want to check if an idea has been done before which Heather, having seen every entry, will know. Sometimes, she says, they might just want to talk to someone at WOW, "They might be at a low in their entry process and need some positive vibe!"

The World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum, established in 2000 in Nelson, has been another source of support, says Heather. "It has meant a huge increase in current and potential designers' interaction with WOW, giving them the opportunity to see the garments up close all year round. People are seeing the extraordinary work and materials that go into these garments, and therefore the overall calibre of workmanship and creativity has tended to go up".