A Whitianga designer joins a librarian, a death doula, a GP, fashion students at the start of their careers and designers whose work has been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga and Beyoncé as finalists selected for the 2026 World of WearableArt® (WOW) Competition.
WOW is the world’s leading wearable art competition and one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular live experiences. Each year, designers from around the globe and New Zealand transform imagination into extraordinary wearable creations, brought to life in a breathtaking arena performance in Wellington. Now approaching four decades, WOW is a glorious rebellion against the ordinary, celebrating creativity without limits.
The 2026 World of Wearable Art Show: GLO! runs from 17 September to 4 October at Wellington’s TSB Arena, with 54 Kiwi finalists joining an international lineup of designers pushing the boundaries of art, fashion and storytelling.
This year’s 108 finalist garments, from designers across 18 countries, represent an extraordinary cross-section of global creative talent. Their designs draw on personal histories, cultural traditions, engineering, performance, fashion, and fine art.
Whitianga textile business owner Delys Magill is the creator of one of those finalist garments.
“I first saw WOW in 2022. We came out of the show, and I immediately said to my friend, ‘I want to enter.’ Four years on, the idea that inspired me then, will be on stage this year. I still can’t believe it.”
Magill now runs a small textile business from her home, after careers in the Air Force, as a chef, and as a sign language interpreter. She says stepping away from high-pressure roles has given her the time and headspace to fully embrace her creativity.
“When I’m creating, I draw on every part of my life, but the last few years have really given me the space to channel those experiences into my garment,” she says.
WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan says one of the things that makes WOW so special is its diverse range of art makers.
“WOW sees the work of everyday people making extraordinary things stand alongside some of the world’s most exceptional avant-garde talent. It’s an incredibly unique community, where a deep passion for craft and storytelling is shared between everyone from technologists and teachers to designers whose work has been worn by some of the boldest dressing celebrities on the planet.”
Nathan says that creativity is also applied to materials across the board, with designers transforming everything from more than 100 love letters to Aotearoa to emergency blankets converted into over a thousand flexible spikes.
“I first saw WOW in 2022. We came out of the show, and I immediately said to my friend, ‘I want to enter.’ Four years on, the idea that inspired me then, will be on stage this year. I still can’t believe it.”
“Every year, designers astound us with their innovation,” Nathan says.
“There’s some particularly genius reimagining of materials this year, with garments incorporating milk bottles and chip packets that are so completely transformed, even those in the front rows and stage side will be hard pressed to identify them.”
Metallic and Kinetic – two of this year’s special sections – have inspired some particularly awe-inspiring work, Nathan says.
“Each year the special sections propel designers to take on creative challenges they – and we – may never have imagined.”
Rooted in mineral tones and ore-inspired textures, Metallic has inspired everything from sleek, high-shine futuristic creations to delicate filigree work and narrative-driven pieces. Meanwhile, Kinetic was designed to create moments of genuine wonder through movement.
“No two approaches are alike – from delicate to industrial – WOW fans are in for such a treat, and the judges have a real challenge on their hands.”
Nathan says the Aotearoa Section promises to be one of the most emotionally resonant experiences of the 2026 show, with designers drawing deeply on their personal connections, perspectives and stories of their relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand.
“The resulting works are moving, surprising and deeply reflective, combining compelling kōrero with exquisite craft – which sits in direct contrast with the bold, bizarre and downright delightful riot that will be Bizarre Bra.”
WOW finalists will travel to Wellington in September for a programme of designer events ahead of the WOW Awards Night, where winners will share more than $200,000 worth of prizes.
Tickets to the 2026 WOW Show: GLO! are on sale now at www.worldofwearableart.com.
