World of WearableArt
A juggernaut of art, theatre and dance returns to Wellington for 18 inspired days.
In partnership with 
Overview
One of the biggest cultural events in New Zealand and a juggernaut of the global art world, World of WearableArt (WOW), is just over a month away from its 2026 return. The 18-day-long season brings together artists, theatre practitioners, dancers, textile artists, audio-visual wizards and creative visionaries from across the globe to pull off one of the world's biggest design competitions and fashion shows.
For Wellington locals, you can't miss it, what with the annual displays and collateral; but for Australian art aficionados, it's the perfect reason to book a trip across the ditch. Why not go all the way and book a luxurious Wellington weekend via ALL Accor this spring.
In WOW, designers are challenged to take art off the walls and festoon the human form with it. Whatever approach they take, it's creativity at its purest. The judging criteria are broad, and the only limitations given to entrants are purely logistical. There's an open section though, so really there are no limits to what entrants will pull out of their bag.
World of WearableArt
At the event's core is the design competition, open to anyone aged over 18. Entrants can take inspiration from six themes: bizarre bra, metallic, kinetic, Aotearoa, avant-garde and open. Finalists will then take part in the legendary show, putting their pieces on stage in front of thousands. This year's show theme is GLO! — so expect vibrancy. Those finalists could win one of 25 awards, including the Accor Live Limitless First-Time Entrant Award, Supreme WOW Award, Sustainability Award and Wēta Workshop Outstanding Design Award.
If you're travelling in from Australia or elsewhere in Aotearoa, Accor is an ideal choice for accommodation. You can choose your dream stay from over 45 hotels across New Zealand, with multiple options near the WOW action in Wellington, including nearby five-star Sofitel Wellington, recently renovated Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman and the luxurious Mövenpick Hotel Wellington.
You'd better book WOW tickets sooner rather than later, and booking your accommodation on ALL.com for Accor's membership perks and rates (think lifetime discounts, reward points and exclusive perks like late checkouts and free drinks) can make a good trip into a great one.
World of WearableArt returns to TSB Arena in Wellington from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, October 4. To book your ideal accommodation, visit the All Accor website.
Lead image: World of WearableArt. Earthling, Gill Saunders, New Zealand
