Celebrated globally as the “Oscars of wearable art,” we invite artists, designers, self-taught makers and first-time entrants from all walks of life to turn their imagination into exceptional wearable art, with selected finalist creations brought to life onstage in Wellington as part of the 2027 WOW Show.

Resident Judge and WOW Ambassador Dame Suzie Moncrieff says she can’t wait to see sculptors, artists, engineers and designers of all kinds bring their wildest ideas to life for the milestone year.

“Wearable art has become one of the most dynamic, challenging and rewarding artforms of our time. Its evolution and momentum four decades on is testament to the infinite possibilities of taking art off the wall and onto the moving body.”

Six Sections to Inspire

The 2027 WOW Competition features six sections, including the much-loved Child Section, back for the first time in 12 years, and two brand-new creative challenges:

Child Section - Figments of Imagination: explore fantastical creatures and whimsical creations inspired by childhood imagination, designing wearable art for children aged 6-12

Rococo: a celebration of extravagance

Black White: make a striking visual statement using only two colours

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 Head of Competition Sarah Nathan says the return of the Child Section has the designer community buzzing.

“The return of the Child Section for the first time in 12 years has the designer community completely buzzing, so that’s a section we all cannot wait to see. I think Black White will be hugely popular, with the challenge of that set colour palette resulting in a truly visually striking section, while Rococo will be lush and absolutely dripping with opulence.”

Why Designers Enter WOW

For many WOW designers, the journey begins not in a design studio, but in the audience. New Zealand hairdresser, artist and part-time teacher aide Lisa Newsome spent 10 years watching WOW before finally seeing her own creation take to the stage this year; her garment Platinum won the 2026 ALL Accor First Time Entrant Award.

“Over the years, I had made various props for my daughters’ dance shows, and when I saw WOW for the first time, I knew immediately that one day I would work to make it to the stage,” she says. “You work on something for months, spending hours with it, and then suddenly it’s part of the show and just transforms. You stand back and think, ‘Did I really do that?’ It’s a feeling like no other.”

Nathan says stories like Lisa’s reflect what has made the Competition extraordinary over four decades: people from vastly different backgrounds seeing their ideas transformed into something they never imagined possible.

“Some of the most powerful creations begin with a simple, personal idea and the courage to give it a go. That rebellion and courage have always been in the WOW DNA.”

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

Celebrating 40 Years of WOW

In 2027, we will also be celebrating the artists who have helped shape our evolution from a humble and artistically rebellious beginnings to an internationally recognised creative competition and major live entertainment experience, with some special events:

WOW Global Wearable Artists Reunion – designers and alumni from across countries, years and generations will come together to honour the creative community behind four decades of extraordinary wearable art.

WOW®: The Exhibition – next year’s show coincides with the global premiere of this exhibition, showcasing some 50 works from across WOW’s 40-year history.

As always, finalist garments from the 2027 Competition will be brought to life at the WOW Show at TSB Arena, Wellington, from 16 September to 3 October 2027, where music, movement, lighting and theatrical performance transform wearable art into an immersive arena spectacle.

What Judges Look For

Designers are encouraged to focus on:

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

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?

Anyone aged 18 or over can enter the WOW Competition, either individually or as part of a team of two or three designers. Plus, it’s free to enter.

All the WOW Competition rules are outlined here.

How to Enter the 2027 Competition

1. Create a Designer Account
2. Develop your garment in line with your chosen section
3. Complete your online entry

Entries close:

International designers: 25 February 2027
New Zealand designers: 14 April 2027

After entries close, the selection and judging process begins.

View the rest of the dates and deadlines here.

Start Your WOW Journey

“Whether you’ve been part of WOW for decades or you’re thinking about entering for the very first time, there’s a place for you in this competition,” says Nathan.

Learn more and begin your entry here.

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