WOW - World of WearableArt

Supreme WOW® Award

The most prestigious Award of all; given to the entry that the judges consider to be the most exceptional overall.

Winner receives NZD30,000

Runner-up receives NZD10,000

Credit: Diva’s Dreamscape, Peter Wakeman, New Zealand

Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award

Chosen by WOW Founder, Dame Suzie Moncrieff, as the garment that epitomises the WOW spirit.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Garment credit: Tradition Progress, Tsz Kwan Au, Hong Kong Design Institute, Hong Kong

Section Prizes

Aotearoa, Avant-garde, Open, Reflective Surfaces and Under the Microscope:

First prize: NZD6,000

Second prize: NZD3,000

Third prize: NZD1,500

Bizarre Bra:

First prize: NZD4,000

Second prize: NZD2,000

Third prize: NZD1,000

Garment credit: Renascence, Yuru Ma & Siyu Fang, Donghua University, China

First-time Entrant Award

This award recognises the creativity and originality of an entry submitted by a first-time entrant.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Garment Credit: Brave New World, Ewelina Kosmal, Poland

Student Innovation Award

This award recognises an entry submitted by a current tertiary student or recent graduate.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Garment Credit: Kaleidoscope, Tess Tavener Hanks, Australia

Sustainability Award

This award recognises a designer who demonstrates inventive use of recycled materials in their garment.  At least 85% of the garment must be made from recycled materials.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Garment Credit: Templa Mentis, Daniella Sasvari, New Zealand

Wearable Technology Award

This award recognises a designer that explores and applies the most original and innovative technology to the construction and/or function of their wearable art garment.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Garment Credit: Exotic, Qianwen Hong, Donghua University, China

New Zealand Design Award

Acknowledging the creativity and excellence of New Zealand designers.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Garment: Tinker, Jeff Thomson, New Zealand

International Awards

Acknowledging the creativity and excellence of international designers, a prize of NZD5,000 is awarded to the best international design from each of the following regions:

• United Kingdom & Europe
• Americas
• Asia
• Australia & Pacific

In addition, an overall international winner is selected and receives NZD6,000.

Weta Workshop Emerging Designer Award

Weta Workshop is a five-time Academy Award®-winning conceptual design and physical effects manufacturing facility that services the world’s creative industries.  For over 20 years the Workshop has applied its creativity and craftsmanship to blockbuster films and hit television series including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, King Kong, Avatar, The Chronicles of Narnia, District 9, Power Rangers, Chappie, Thunderbirds Are Go, Ghost in the Shell, Thor: Ragnarok and Blade Runner 2049 to name a few. 

The winner of this Award is chosen by Sir Richard Taylor, co-founder and Creative Director of Weta Workshop, from across all categories of the competition.  The winner will receive a cash prize of NZD5,000 and have the opportunity to complete a four-week internship at Weta Workshop, which includes flights from anywhere in the world to and from New Zealand plus accommodation in Wellington for up to four weeks.

Winner receives NZD5,000

Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Cirque du Soleil Invited Artisan Award

Chosen by a judge from Cirque du Soleil, this award is presented to an established designer whose entry demonstrates outstanding use of new techniques or technologies.  The winner receives NZD5,000 and will undertake a four-week residency at Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, Canada.  Flights from anywhere in the world and accommodation are included.