Introducing the finalist designers

The 2026 WOW finalists have been announced, and they’re a gloriously eclectic group. This year's line-up includes everyone from a GP and a librarian to a death doula, fashion students just beginning their creative careers, and designers whose work has been worn by global superstars like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.  

Together, they're part of an extraordinary community of 132 makers who have earned a place in the 2026 World of WearableArt Competition.  

Congratulations to:

Unexpected people creating extraordinary things

This year's 108 finalist entries are from designers across 18 countries, and a huge range of creative backgrounds, perspectives and artistic approaches.  

Without the bounds of commercial constraint, WOW is a place where designers, makers, artists, engineers, storytellers and dreamers from all walks of life come together to create something remarkable.

As WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan explains:

“WOW sees the work of everyday people making extraordinary things stand alongside some of the world's most exceptional avant-garde talent. It’s an incredibly unique community, where a deep passion for craft and storytelling is shared between everyone from technologists and teachers to designers whose work has been worn by some of the boldest dressing celebrities on the planet.”  

And that's exactly what makes the competition so special. A first-time entrant can find themselves sharing the stage with internationally recognised designers, united by a common passion for creativity, craftspersonship and storytelling.

The next generation is making its mark

This year's finalists include more than 20 students from universities across New Zealand, China, Taiwan, India and the United Kingdom, and the calibre of emerging talent continues to impress.

“There is incredible momentum in the wearable artform globally, and the standard of execution across the student entries has been particularly impressive this year,” Nathan says.  

“We're excited by what the next generation of designers are creating and the way they're combining strong creative ideas with a remarkable level of craft so early in their careers.”  

For WOW fans, it's an exciting glimpse into the future of wearable art, and for the students themselves, an opportunity to showcase their work on one of the world's most unique creative stages.

Big ideas and surprising materials

This year's finalists have drawn inspiration from personal histories, cultural traditions, engineering, performance, fashion and fine art. Along the way, some have transformed the most unexpected materials into wearable masterpieces.  

More than 100 love letters to Aotearoa have found new life in one garment, while another is made from emergency blankets converted into 1500 flexible spikes. Designers continue to surprise the judging team with their inventive approaches.

“There's some particularly genius reimagining of materials this year, with garments incorporating milk bottles and chip packets that are so completely transformed, even those in the front rows and stage side will be hard pressed to identify them.”

Special sections set to stun

Two of this year's special sections, Metallic and Kinetic, have inspired some particularly awe-inspiring creations. From futuristic high-shine forms to delicate, movement-driven works, designers have embraced the challenge in wildly different ways.  

“Each year the special sections propel designers to take on creative challenges they – and we – may never have imagined. No two approaches are alike - from delicate to industrial - WOW fans are in for such a treat, and the judges have a real challenge on their hands.”  

From heartfelt to downright bizarre

The Aotearoa Section promises to be one of the most emotionally resonant experiences of the 2026 show, with designers drawing deeply on their personal connections, perspectives and stories of their relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The resulting works are moving, surprising and deeply reflective, combining compelling kōrero with exquisite craft – which sits in direct contrast with the bold, bizarre, and downright delightful riot that will be Bizarre Bra.”  

That contrast perfectly captures the spirit of WOW. One moment you'll be reflecting on a powerful personal story; the next you'll be grinning at something wonderfully unexpected.

See it all come to life this September

The 2026 WOW Show: GLO! will ignite the TSB Arena in Wellington from 17 September to 6 October 2026. Over 60,000 attendees will witness the finalist garments brought to life on stage in Aotearoa’s largest theatrical production.

Many of the finalist designers will travel to Wellington to attend networking events and the annual Awards Night described as ‘the Oscars of wearable art’, where the winners of over NZD $200,000 in prizes will be announced.

While tickets are selling fast, there are still plenty of great seats available, including at the Awards Night, weeknights and Sundays. Don't miss out, book your tickets today!