Entries open for the world’s ‘Oscars of wearable art’
The designers and creators of the world are invited to unleash their imagination, with the launch of the 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW) Competition.
The 2026 Sections for the world’s leading wearable art competition include Kinetic, Metallic and Bizarre Bra, alongside the annual sections of Aotearoa, Open and Avant-garde.
WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan says 2026 provides opportunity for everyone, from designers new to the wearable artform, to the boldest creative makers.
“The WOW Competition offers the creators of the world the opportunity to unleash their imagination without the bounds of commercial constraint. This year being a Bizarre Bra year offers a fantastic opportunity for designers new to the artform, or under time constraint, to work on a smaller creation, while Kinetic provides a platform to really push the boundaries of performance wearable art through movement and design. And of course Avant-garde is always a platform for fashion and design that defies convention and demands attention.”
The process of creating wearable art, seeing it brought to life onstage in a world class spectacle seen by 60,000 people, and connecting with fellow creatives are what drive designers throughout the world to enter, Ms Nathan says.
“There truly is no other stage like WOW – it's a living gallery and world class arena spectacle that wraps world-leading music, lighting, dance and storeys-high video around the best wearable art in the world. There’s nothing quite like seeing the finalist designers’ reactions to seeing their work come to life at WOW.”
For almost four decades, WOW has invited designers and creators to challenge the conventional and create the unimaginable through wearable art.
WOW finalists come from all corners of the globe and a broad spectrum of creative and technical disciplines – from fashion and costume designers, to jewellers, architects, and engineers.
Designers are encouraged to focus on original storytelling and meticulous construction, Ms Nathan says.
“Entries are assessed on how they put the ‘art’ in wearable art through evoking an emotion or telling a story. They need to literally ‘wow’ the judges with unconventional and unexpected takes on what can be worn by the human form. WOW Competition finalist designs are showcased across a three week show season, so they also need to be crafted meticulously and robustly.”
For more about the WOW Competition, visit: https://www.worldofwearableart.com/about-the-competition
How to Apply
Who Can Enter WOW?
The WOW Competition is open to anyone over the age of 18.
Individuals or teams consisting of two or three designers are permitted.
The competition is open to anyone over 18, globally.
Open to experienced designers, first time entrants, and students.
View the full list of competition rules on worldofwearableart.com.
How To Enter:
New entrants can begin by creating a profile on the WOW Designer Hub.
The international design community have until 26 February and New Zealand designers have until 15 April to complete their garments and online submission, following which the selection and judging process takes place. View key dates and deadlines.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].