WOW (World of WearableArts) just turned 30!
What started as the brain-child of dame Suzie Moncrieff in Nelson, soon outgrew the sunny South Island town and has just celebrated its 20th year in Wellington where it runs for two weeks every year.
The 2026 show will run from September 17 to October 4.
This spectacular two-hour show is way more than a fashion show. The intricate and clever costume designs fall into categories and each model becomes part of the show. There is music, lighting and acrobatics and it is incredible. It’s no wonder the event brings in thousands of guests and over $25 million to Wellington’s economy each year. The city was buzzing on the sunny weekend we were there.
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Anyone who’s been talks only amazing things about WOW, and this year we were an extended family group of 10 girls: cousins, sisters, aunties and daughters.
Wellington was heaving with mothers and daughters, and it was great to see. The retailers were smiling as clothes were being flung into dressing rooms for sisterly approval. Cafes were buzzing, people waiting outside the most popular ones to get a table.
Shop windows are themed with crazy costumes (like the mannequin wearing a frock of pill packets and bubble wrap at the Chemist) and bars and restaurants offer WOW deals for punters who can wolf down two courses before the 7pm show.
What to expect at WOW
The hype is well deserved and no two years are the same thanks to the incredible and unique costumes designed by artists all over the world – and only 150 (ish) make it into the show. But it’s not simply a fashion show, World of WearableArts is comparable to Cirque du Soleil – in fact one of the judges in 2018 was a Cirque du Soleil costumer.
It’s an excellent example of multimedia in a seamless, professional and outstanding production. The use of projection, skilled lighting, acrobatics, cinematography, some years even fireworks and the hundreds of professional dance crews, acrobats, models and background crew makes it simply breathtaking. And that’s before we get to the clothes.
Its not just a fashion show!
WOW is a global phenomenon with designers entering from all over the world. Thousands of hours are spent crafting these million dollar garments and performances where each costume is displayed as part of the melee of theatre rather than a catwalk. And it’s not just for women, men are spotted everywhere.
The show is a polished representation of all forms of art, creatively using materials to capture a wearable stage presence.
Tips for WOW
- Take your seat early enough to pore over the program so you have an idea of what to look out for
- Bring your binoculars (top tip!)
- Do go to the bathroom before hand, you cannot afford to miss any part of the show!
- Book ahead for restaurants. Especially if you are attending an evening performance. You do not want to wait in line 🙂
- Bring your mum, sisters, girlfriends or daughters and make a weekend of it
- Book Flexi-Change flights for next year now so you can change them once the tickets are released if need be
Want to read my post on the Best Things to do in Wellington you won’t find in the Guide Books?