Creativity, Unleashed

The World Of Wearable Arts Awards (WoW) held in Wellington is a visual extravaganza – so much more than a fashion show; a unique cultural event that sees an astonishing collection of creative talent, superbly choreographed, professionally produced and is ultimately, an absolute pleasure to attend.

What is so wonderful about the show, is that is offers so much to so many. It is not only fro fashionistas (although they flock to it). Anyone who appreciates vision, passion and showmanship, of any age, will be energised, entertained and amazed.

First held in 1987, WoW moved from Nelson to Wellington 10 years ago and attracts entered from all over the world. From extremely humble beginnings (the first show was to promote a rural art gallery and attracted 200 show-goers in muddy shoes), it now takes art off the wall and places it on the human form in ways most of us can only marvel at.

Not only does WoW showcase incredible creativity, it is a huge contributor to the economy in Wellington, generating more than $22.5 million each year. This year alone, some 55,000 people will attend. 

Nearly 9000 people work together to get the show produced and the most time-consuming garment Metastasis took the entrant over 2,000 hours to complete. 

Designers are given free rein to create whatever their imagination can conceive – there are no commercial restraints, which produces spectacular results. For two hours, the fashion, music, movement and magic keeps you enthralled, and hungry for more. There is no room for mediocrity, no barriers of language or culture. It is simply creativity, unleashed.

Of the 166 entries selected to appear in the 2014 show, 105 were from New Zealand. Such is the success of the show, the NZ Government has partnered with the World of Wearable Arts to put together an international touring exhibition, which will showcase some of the highlights of the permanent collection.

The exhibition opens in Auckland at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Friday 21st November until March 22, 2015. From there, the exhibition will make its way to Australia, the US for up to five years.

WoW guest judge Sir Richard Taylor, of Weta Workshop, says WoW is a benchmark event, that has set the highest standards, while being accessible to artists from all over the world.