Entry Information

Please note that entries for 2008 are now closed and will reopen 1 February 2009.

Entering the 2008 Montana WOW® Awards is easy.

Click here to enter online.

What does WOW® offer designers?

WOW® offers the opportunity for designers to experiment with materials and new methods, to push boundaries and think outside the square without commercial expectations or the limits of everyday fashion.

Highlighted below are some of the key benefits in entering the Awards:

  • Gain public and industry exposure and public recognition (e.g. The WETA Award).
  • Total prize pool in excess of NZ$100,000.
  • In addition to the section prizes there are 8 special awards (e.g. Wellington International Award & Shell Student Design Award.
  • WOW® is held in high regard within the industry and recognised as a significant achievement.
  • WOW® is an internationally acclaimed Awards Show.
  • Successful entrants have the satisfaction and joy of seeing their garment showcased at the Awards Show viewed by a live audience of 35,000.
  • WOW® offers many media opportunities for entrants: national television coverage; national and international newspaper and magazine articles.
  • Additional exposure is achieved 7 days a week through the rotating exhibitions at the World of WearableArt™ & Classic Cars Museum in Nelson. WOW® also produces a range of publications and merchandising promoting designer garments (e.g. The Official Show Programme).
  • Mainfreight, a corporate partner, freights garments free from the main cities in NZ to Nelson for judging.
  • Successful NZ entries receive one free ticket (value $115). A block of premium stage side seats are held for designers on the Awards night.
  • A designer after show function is held on the Awards Ceremony night at the 5 star InterContinental Wellington.
  • A Judges Forum will be held on Saturday 26 September, 2009 at 11am. This is an informal opportunity for designers to hear from the judges what they are looking for.

Judging:
Garments are judged on originality, creativity, innovation and construction.

All entries will be considered by the judges at the preliminary judging (12/13 July 2008) when entries will be selected for inclusion in the show. Entries are modelled.

Judges retain the right to move garments to different sections and recommend accessory additions and/or deletions.

The Judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Judging is blind- the Judges are told the garment's name and inspiration not the designer's name.

Entry Construction Requirements:
When designing your work remember it will be exhibited in a fully choreographed performance, therefore ensure:
- Garment is of sound construction.
- Hats are fitted and well balanced, strap under chin may be appropriate.
- Electrical wiring is safe and simple to operate.
- Garment is safe to wear with no sharp edges.
- Garment is not excessively heavy.
- Hot glue, staples, or tape are not relied on to hold materials together.
- Lacing of garment must withstand quick changes (suggest elastic or velcro).

Please also ensure:
- Your work is a total concept e.g. if entering a skirt, there must also be an accompanying top.
- There is a fabric label on the inside of your entry (including accessories) which includes your name, address, section entered and the title of the garment. WOW® cannot take responsibility for unlabelled work.
- That there is no use of advertising signage or company logos in your design.
- No perishable materials are used.
- Your entry does not require stilts.
- All garments made for children are entered in the Children's Section.

Height/Width restrictions:
- Ensure your garment can safely negotiate 45 degree ramps to enter / exit the catwalk. No garments to be wider than 1.5 metres at floor level.
- No garments to exceed 3 metres in height or length.

Size restrictions:
WOW® will supply all models. Limit of up to 3 models is allowed per entry. Garments are made to fit the following model sizes:

Female
Height 169cm - 176cm, Hips 87cm - 96cm, Waist 62cm - 67cm, Bust 86cm - 91cm
Male
Height 176cm - 182cm, Waist 86cm - 94cm, Chest 96cm - 102cm

Children
Sizes to fit children between 9 and 13 years.