Celebrated globally as the “Oscars of wearable art,” WOW invites creators from all backgrounds to challenge the conventional and imagine the unimaginable through wearable art. The annual competition culminates in a breathtaking stage spectacle in Wellington, New Zealand, where finalist garments are brought to life in front of an audience of more than 60,000.

Six Sections to Inspire

The 2026 WOW Competition features six inspiring sections:

• Kinetic – celebrate movement, mechanics, and transformation
• Metallic – explore shine, strength, tension, and reflective forms
• Bizarre Bra – the iconically playful, provocative, small-scale challenge
• Aotearoa – inspired by the culture, landscapes and stories of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Open – a space with no theme, for ideas that refuse to be categorised
• Avant-garde – designs that defy convention and demand attention

WOW’s Head of Competition, Sarah Nathan, says the 2026 themes are designed to welcome creators at every stage of their wearable art journey - from first-time entrants to seasoned WOW 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, while Kinetic provides a platform to push the boundaries of performance wearable art. And of course Avant-garde is always a space for design that challenges convention.”

Why Designers Enter WOW

For many designers, the journey to WOW is as rewarding as the moment their garment steps on stage. It’s the process of imagining, constructing, refining, and then watching that creation become part of a world-class theatrical production.

“There truly is no other stage like WOW,” Nathan says. “It's a living gallery and arena spectacle that wraps world-leading music, lighting, dance and storeys-high video around the best wearable art in the world. Seeing designers’ reactions when their work comes to life at WOW is unforgettable.”

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. They become part of an international design community who connect through exclusive forums and events.

There is over $200k NZD prize money to be won, with up to 25 Awards, including the coveted Supreme WOW Award, up for grabs.

What Judges Look For

Designers are encouraged to focus on:

• Original storytelling
• Emotional impact
• Creative use of materials
• Strong sculptural form
• Exceptional construction quality

Garments are not just viewed, they are performed. Finalist works must be robust enough to be showcased night after night during WOW’s three-week show season.

Find out more about what the judges look for here.

Who Can Enter?

The WOW Competition is open to:

• Anyone aged 18+
• From anywhere in the world
• Enter individually or in teams of up to three

All the WOW Competition rules are outlined here.

How to Enter the 2026 Competition

1. Create a profile on the WOW Designer Hub
2. Develop your garment in line with your chosen section
3. Complete your online entry

Entries close:

• International designers: 26 February 2026
• New Zealand designers: 15 April 2026

After entries close, the selection and judging process begins.

View the rest of the dates and deadlines here.

Start Your WOW Journey

Whether you’re exploring wearable art for the first time or returning to push your practice further, WOW is your invitation to take on a creative journey like no other.

Learn more and begin your entry here.