Wellington is buzzing again — the World of WearableArt 2025 (WOW) has made its grand return, lighting up the city with mind-blowing costumes and pure creative energy. This year’s show features 85 finalist pieces that push the limits of fashion, art, and imagination.
More than 100 designers from 17 countries competed for a prize pool worth over $200,000 NZD across 25 different awards. The event’s big moment came when the WOW Supreme Award went to design duo Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould, marking their first win after several finalist appearances since 2017.
Their winning creation, Tsukumogami, draws inspiration from Japanese folklore. The piece tells a story through two blue-and-white latex figures that resemble elegant porcelain vases, crowned with ikebana-style floral arrangements — a stunning tribute to craft, culture, and spirit.
The runner-up, Fifi Colston’s “Meine Erste Liebe”, meaning “my first love” in German, transforms the wearer into a mesmerizing medusa. With a jellyfish-inspired headdress and a beautifully detailed bell-shaped skirt, it’s both haunting and breathtaking.
If you’re in Wellington, you can still catch the World of WearableArt 2025: RISE performances at TSB Arena through October 5. This annual wearable art show is a must-see — where fashion meets fantasy in the most unforgettable way.
Explore more highlights and past masterpieces on the official WOW website and experience why Wellington proudly owns the title as the creative heart of New Zealand.
