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Whether you’re new to the World of WearableArt or looking to return to the WOW designer community, this is your invitation to explore what it is, how it began, and why now is the perfect time to create something without limits for the WOW stage.
What Exactly is Wearable Art?
Dame Suzie Moncrieff describes wearable art as artwork created to be worn on the body rather than hung on the wall.
“To take art off the wall and out of static display. To adorn the body in wildly wonderful ways.” Dame Suzie Moncrieff
Each piece is typically one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, and driven by concept rather than function. Unlike fashion, it isn’t made for everyday wear; its an art piece made to express an idea, push a craft beyond its limits, a creative exploration of art on the body.
It’s a space where designers, artists, and makers blur boundaries between disciplines, combining design thinking with sculpture, engineering, and performance.
A Short History of Wearable Art
The term wearable art (or artwear as it was sometimes known) gained traction in the 1960s and 1970s during the craft and counterculture movements, when artists began rebelling against mass produced clothing. In 1987, the World of WearableArt was born in Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Today, wearable art continues to evolve through innovative materials and digital tools in tandem with traditional handcrafts. Everything from 3D printing to moulded leather, papier mache to mechanised inflatables.
In addition to the WOW stage, wearable art can be found in exhibitions, avant-garde fashion runways, drag performances and at the Met Gala.
What Makes Wearable Art Different to Fashion?
Wearable art begins with a concept, prioritising narrative, sculpture, and expression, while fashion typically starts with function and the needs of everyday wear. Where wearable art pieces are one-of-a-kind creations, fashion is produced in collections designed for broader use. Wearable art often incorporates unconventional or unexpected materials, pushing the boundaries of form and movement, whereas fashion relies more on traditional textiles, often chosen for practicality. Instead of being sold in stores or worn day-to-day, wearable art is exhibited on stages, in shows and galleries.
Both disciplines demand creativity, technical skill and vision, but wearable art gives designers the freedom to break convention and let ideas take shape without limits.
“The garments do not have to be commercially viable. They do not even have to take themselves seriously. The only thing they must be is wearable.” Dame Suzie Moncrieff
Materials and Techniques
The materials used in wearable art are as diverse as the ideas behind them. Designers work with anything such as natural fibres, metal, recycled plastics, fibreglass, wood, paper, or found objects. Some sculpt with silicone or resin; others use 3D printing or engineering techniques to create moving parts or light effects. Australian WOW Designer Tatiana Sheverda, who has crafted artworks from bike helmets, mattresses and bottle atomisers, says “I try to do every piece with a different material, not repeating the materials I want to explore. I have a short life, and I want to try so many things!”
For many creators, wearable art is a chance to escape the boundaries of fashion or product design. It’s an opportunity to experiment with form, explore narrative, or transform unexpected materials into something extraordinary. Tatiana, who makes wedding dresses by day, sees it as “an outlet, I can really get creative.” Jann Lenihan, who entered WOW for the first time in 2024 describes it as a way “of conveying something you feel deeply that words can’t. Instead of just being an adornment, it’s a message.” “It is the space where I can be myself and I can create whatever I want.” adds Ece Özalp, a WOW Designer from Turkey.
Where to See Wearable Art
Wearable art has found homes in galleries, museums, and exhibitions around the world. But its most spectacular stage is the World of WearableArt Show, held in Wellington, New Zealand every September-October.
In between shows, you can get your wearable art fix on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or the World of WearableArt archive.
Ready to Create?
Are you ready to see what happens when you create without limits? Entries for the world’s leading wearable art competition are now open.
Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, emerging designer, or experienced professional, WOW invites you to unleash your creativity.
As UK WOW designer Juliet Dodson muses “think of the craziest idea your brain can think of... and then go for it.”
If you are even considering entering the WOW Competition this year or in the future, the first step is to register as a designer here. It takes less than 5 minutes, and it doesn't commit you to anything, but it will give you access to WOW Designer information and support.
If you’re already registered as a designer and you’re planning to enter the WOW Competition this year, log in and complete step 1. Again, it only takes a few minutes, and all you need at this stage is a name and the section you intend to enter.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
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