Wellington · usually late September to early October
World of WearableArt Awards Show
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World of WearableArt Awards Show
When is World of WearableArt Awards Show 2027?
World of WearableArt Awards Show usually runs late September to early October. Exact dates are not announced yet.
How the dates are set: About 18 days from the last Thursday of September.
World of WearableArt Awards Show schedule
- Every year, September and October: The World of WearableArt Show runs for a three-week season in Wellington.
- Each year's competition: Entries are judged in six sections. Three recur every year (Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open) and three are new themes each year.
Sources: moatours.co.nz, worldofwearableart.com
History of World of WearableArt Awards Show
Fifi Colston has had garments on the WOW stage every year since 1990. Her 30th appeared in 2025, and she has said it will be her last entry. In 2025 the Supreme WOW Award went to Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould of the United States, chosen from 85 finalist entries by 100 designers from 17 countries.
Source: worldofwearableart.com
World of WearableArt Awards Show: questions people ask
What is World of WearableArt (WOW)?
WOW is an international design competition with an annual awards show that presents the finalist garments in a theatrical production. The rules welcome anything wearable, as long as it is original, beautifully designed and well made.
When is the World of WearableArt Show held?
The show is held in Wellington every September and October for a three-week season.
Who won the Supreme WOW Award in 2025?
Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould from the United States won the 2025 Supreme WOW Award. It was their first, after being regular finalists since 2017.
How many finalists were there in the 2025 WOW Competition?
There were 85 finalist entries in 2025, created by 100 designers from 17 countries. They competed for a prize pool of over $200,000 across 25 awards.
Sources: fac.coloradocollege.edu, moatours.co.nz, worldofwearableart.com
About World of WearableArt Awards Show
A theatrical show where sculptural garments move through choreographed light and dance.
Designers from dozens of countries build wearable art pieces that walk a themed stage show combining fashion, performance and stagecraft at Wellington's TSB Arena. The show runs through late September into October each year, drawing a loyal audience that books out early. It is included here as a nearby-season reference and travelers wanting a March trip to Wellington should look to its harbor and food scene instead.
Know before you go
- Exact dates are announced yearly, tickets sell out months ahead.
- This event falls outside March, treat as reference only.
- Wellington airport is about 20 minutes from the city center by taxi or shuttle.
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