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ANNOUNCING THE 2024 WOW COMPETITION FINALISTS

ANNOUNCING THE 2024 WOW COMPETITION FINALISTS September 19, 2024Fashion, Fashion IndustryOff

We celebrate the new and the glorious, as our favourite creative fashion and art show combined is back once more. The 2024 WOW Competition finalists have been announced today and the 34th annual World of WearableArt™ (WOW) Show is sure to be a celebration of creativity, curiosity and joy.

Pictured below, some stunning entries from previous years.

The Six Categories in WOW

With over $185,000 in awards and prizes, the competition includes three recurring sections –
Aotearoa, Avant-garde, and Open – and three unique categories: Crazy Curiosities of the Creature
Carnival, Natural World, and Geometric Abstract.

Blooming Proof!, Erna Van Der Wat, Joanne Van Wyk & Lena Van Der Wat, New Zealand

Entries From 35 Countries Around The World Come to WOW

Designers from 35 countries put forward entries this year, with brilliantly unexpected takes on the six
sections, Nathan says.

“The Geometric section, while rooted in mathematical precision, brings forth a sense of whimsy and
wonder, showcasing designs that evoke childlike joy and curiosity. With Crazy Curiosities of the
Creature Carnival, the designers have pushed the boat out beyond what anyone might imagine is
possible.”

A Constant Commitment to Ingenuity

Dame Suzie Moncrieff says the standard of work presented by this year’s finalists is remarkable.
“Even after almost four decades of the WOW Competition, I’m constantly surprised by, and
honoured to witness, designers’ ingenuity and commitment to constant elevation of their chosen
materials,” she says. “Combined with the exceptional creative vision of Executive Creative Director Brian Burke and Show Director Malia Johnston, 2024 WOW Show: DREAM AWAKE is set to be another spectacular celebration showcasing stunning works of wearable art from all over the world.”

Digital Ascension of Kitsune, Dawn Mostow & Snow Winters, United States

Unexpected Materials Bring Creations To Life

This year 90 finalist entries have been selected to progress to the 2024 WOW Show: DREAM AWAKE following First Judging, with extraordinary use of diverse materials pushing the boundaries of wearable art. With finalist entries from Tauranga to Turkey, Hastings to Hong Kong, Collingwood to Canada, and Moutere to Mexico, audiences can expect to see creations crafted from car parts, human hair, digital waste, antique silk, roadwork safety equipment, old mattresses, lamp shades, gutter guard, and some surprising takes on New Zealand wool.

Earthling, Gill Saunders, New Zealand

WOW Entries Are Truly Works of Art

“The ingenuity and imagination of the designers are, as ever, awe-inspiring,” says WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan. “WOW Competition entries are works of art, that so often become a barometer of the world around us. In recent years many of the design narratives have been noticeably serious, reflecting the issues and mood of the time.

A Strong Vision For Joy

“This year, whilst there are still garments that talk to critical topics such as human acceptance, mental health, and environmental impacts, there is a very strong vision for joy, love, escapism and even frivolity, indicating that might be just what we all need right now,” Nathan says.

Tears Unseen, Carena West, New Zealand

2024 Dates – Book Now!

WOW 2024 takes up residence in TSB Arena in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, from 26 September
to 13 October. Tickets are on sale now at www.worldofwearableart.com

The WOW Show offers a prestigious platform for designers to share their artistic visions, with finalists undergoing two further rounds of judging. Winners will be announced at the WOW Awards Night on Friday 27 September at TSB Arena.

The judging panel includes WOW Founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff, James Dobson, Creative Director of New Zealand fashion label, Jimmy D, and Wētā Workshop Creative Art Director Gino Acevedo.

18 September 2024