World of WearableArt 2018

Overview

It's the avant-garde event of the year. From 27 September to 14 October, Wellington will be consumed by the World of WearableArt (WoW). A spectacular competition event where local and international fashion designers, textile aficionados, engineers and architects are encouraged to push boundaries and epitomise innovation in fashion.

This year the event, which had humble beginnings in sunny Nelson, is celebrating 30 years. A huge 148 designers from around the world will exhibit their dramatic creations in a theatrical runway experience.

This year the competition is split into six categories which includes: avant-garde, Aotearoa, open, under the microscope, reflective surfaces and bizarre bra. And to complement the extravagant garments, audiences will also be blown away by genre defying live performances from talented musicians and stunning local dancers.

But the event doesn't stop on the TSB Arena stage. If you take a wander around the streets of Wellington in the lead-up and during WoW, you can usually find local businesses exercising their own creative flare with some pretty magical window displays.