The World of WearableArt stage show might be cancelled for 2020, but that doesn't mean you can't still experience the very best of global art and design.

Running at Te Papa from Saturday, 12 December, 2020 to Sunday, 14 February, 2021, the extravagant new World of WearableArt – Up Close (Ao KākahuToi – Kia Tata) exhibition will feature garments from the world's most significant wearable art competition.

The theatrical experience lets visitors get up close with more than 35 garments from New Zealand designers, and from as far afield as China, Indonesia and Poland. The garments on display include avant-garde pieces woven from 500 abandoned music festival tents, a cathedral made from more than 2300 individually cut pieces of laser-etched felt, and a wearable Axminster carpet inspired by Frida Kahlo. There are six Supreme WOW Award-winning garments in the exhibition.

Alongside the exhibition, Te Papa will offer a series of special events, from a glittering opening gala to WOW evening events, floor talks, dinners and high teas.

Image: Gemini: The Twins, Dawn Mostow & Ben Gould, United States. Image courtesy of World of WearableArt Ltd.