Entry information

The World of WearableArt Competition invites designers and creators from around the globe to create the unimaginable, challenge the conventional and defy creative expectations. For over 35 years, finalists' extraordinary works of art have then come to life in the spectacular annual WOW Show.

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Call of the Kōkako, Stephanie Cossens, New Zealand

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Call of the Kōkako, Stephanie Cossens, New Zealand

Enter the competition

The first thing you will need to do is create your Designer Profile. This doesn’t commit you to anything, but it gets you ready and is the first important step on your journey with WOW. You will also be able to join our online Designer Forum once you have registered, and we will send you helpful reminders.

Designer Login

Designer registration

Competition Information

Competition Process

Here we give you a bird's-eye view of the journey, as you enter as a WOW designer.

This Is the Pyrocene, R. R. Pascoe, Australia

Section Themes

Each year there are six worlds or section themes for designers to be inspired by when entering the competition.

Sanctuary Given, Cushla O’Connell, New Zealand

Key Dates & Deadlines

Dates and deadlines may vary slightly each year. Make sure you have the latest and up to date deadlines in your diary.

Awards & Prizes

The World of WearableArt Awards offer over NZ$200,000 in prize value. Learn about the wide range of prizes and awards that you can apply for.

Competition Rules

All competitions have rules to ensure fairness and a smooth process. On this page we break them down so you can easily understand exactly what you need to know.

Life Pulse (Biological Micro-universe), Galina Mihaleva, Singapore

Creating your Garment

WOW is about taking art and adorning the body. This useful guide will help you with what you need to know before you get started.

Preparing your Garment

Once you have completed your incredible work of art, there are a few extra things you need to do.

Deadly Beauty, Zhang Xi, Donghua University, China

Sending your Garment

Everything you need to know about freighting your garment to Nelson, New Zealand.

Madame Paon Doré, Veritée Hill, United States

Judging

Meet our judges and find out more about the judging process.

Kaleidoscope, Tess Tavener Hanks, Australia

Designer Resources

Find a library of resources including useful blogs and videos, tips, and advice from the WOW team on garment photography, guidelines for electrics, packing your garment, and more.

Designer FAQs

All your questions answered and more!

Final Checklist

Are you WOW ready? Check all the steps to make sure you and your entry is ready.

Designer events

If your garment makes it through to the finals and therefore into the annual WOW Show, you will be invited to join us in Wellington, New Zealand to see your creation perform on the WOW stage in front of many thousands of people. You will also be able to participate in exclusive designer events which include guest presenters and bespoke workshops.