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At the epicentre of WOW’s universe is the international wearable art competition that challenges artists and designers from all around the world to take art off the wall and onto the human form. The most innovative and outstanding entries are chosen to appear on stage as part of the annual World of WearableArt Show.
The judges are looking for a garment that will surprise them and demonstrates design from a fresh perspective that they haven’t seen before. The judges are looking for exploration of an idea/concept and uniqueness of materials and design.
Does the garment meet the brief for the section it has been entered into? The garment must be a complete concept and clearly portray the designer’s interpretation of the section theme.
A high standard of workmanship is essential. The garment finish should be immaculate, inside and out. Your garment should look as good up close, as it does from a distance. Garments may be worn multiple times and need to accommodate easy movement as well as being strong enough to cope with choreography.
Judges will consider whether a garment is safe for a model to wear and perform in. Models must be able to see clearly and breathe easily whilst onstage under stage lighting. Garment weight must be evenly distributed so the garment is comfortable to perform in. All footwear must be robust, well-balanced, and safe for a model to wear.
Judges will consider how a garment will look on stage with choreography and lighting.
Finalist garments are selected and award-winners are chosen through three rounds of closed judging. Closed judging means that the judges are aware of the garment name, and the inspiration behind the work of art, however the designers’ details are not disclosed.
The first round of judging is known as First Judging, and it is a milestone event in the WOW calendar; over three days all entries are dressed on models in full hair and makeup for assessment by the judging panel in Nelson, New Zealand. This determines which garments will be finalists.
Second and Third Judging happen in Wellington, very close to the opening of the show and Awards Night. Second Judging determines the prize winners and Third Judging determines the Supreme Winner.