History of World of WearableArt™

An audience of 50,000 descends on the annual World of WearableArt™ Awards show to watch a spectacular two-hour presentation of art, music, dance, drama and comedy combined with breath-taking aerial feats. Held over 12 nights, the show is a highlight of the Wellington entertainment scene. Described as a fusion of art, design, movement and drama with sophisticated lighting and stage technology, it involves a cast and crew of more than 400.

The World of WearableArt™ was born in 1987 when Nelson sculptor Suzie Moncrieff had an idea to promote a rural art gallery and thereby created a new genre of performance. An audience of 200 came to a community hall to watch a show that took art off the wall and on to the stage.

Now in its third decade, the World of WearableArt™ Awards show moved to Wellington in 2005 to take advantage of larger venues and audiences. Over 300 designers from New Zealand and overseas – UK, USA, Australia, India, Thailand, Israel, Sweden, Fiji, The Netherlands, Canada and Germany – enter every year, with 170 finalists making it on to the stage. Some designers work in the creative field (such as film, fashion, photography, drama, design and art) while others are enthusiastic amateurs. WOW® offers 35 different awards, approximately $150,000 in prize money and scholarships to international art academies and institutions, but for many the achievement of having their garment exhibited with some of the world's best wearable artists is prize enough.

A range of garments from previous World of WearableArt™ competitions can be seen at the World of WearableArt™ & Classic Cars Museum in Nelson, where they are presented with lighting and music to replicate the 'feel' of the show.