Launched by Dame Suzie in 1987, WOW takes art off the wall and onto the human form. Over the past three decades, WOW has attracted some of the most cutting edge creative designers from across the globe. This year entries from 44 countries and regions vied for a coveted spot onstage. A record 17 countries and regions were represented in the show, showcasing designs by professionals from the fashion, art, design, costume and theatre industries, alongside students and first-time enthusiasts. WOW provides an opportunity for these creatives to experiment, push boundaries and explore design, materials and techniques. 

The 2018 World of WearableArt Awards opened for entries back in September last year and the winning garments have gone through three rounds of judging (in Nelson and Wellington) before the final 39 awards were handed out tonight. 

The 2018 judging panel consisted of WOW Founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff; Margarita Robertson, Creative Director of iconic fashion label NOM*d; Sam Gao, Weta Workshop Art Director and Business Development Manager; Weta Workshop Co-founder and CEO Sir Richard Taylor; Cirque du Soleil’s Nathalie Bouchard and International Guest judge Mary Wing To. The judging process is in three stages, with garments being assessed in detail, as well as for their performance on stage.

 

We’re delighted to share with you the 2018 award-winning garments:

Supreme WOW Award Winner

Supreme WOW Award Runner-up

Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award

Open Section

Aotearoa Section

Under the Microscope Section

Avant-garde Section

Reflective Surfaces Section

Bizarre Bra Section

First-time Entrant Award

Student Innovation Award

Sustainability Award

Wearable Technology Award

International Award: Overall Winner

International Award: Americas

International Award: Asia

International Award: Australia & South Pacific

International Award: United Kingdom & Europe

New Zealand Design Award

Cirque du Soleil Invited Artisan Award

Weta Workshop Emerging Designer Award

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