WOW winners take the stage

The weird, wacky, and the wonderful were all on stage in early October at the 33rd World of WearableArt (WOW) Show 2023 in Wellington.

The Supreme Award went to Nelson designer Gill Saunders for her garment, Earthling, making it her 13th WOW placing, seventh award win, and her second time receiving the pinnacle award. Gill was among 15 section and special award winners.

WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan says, “The stories behind many of this year’s garments reflect a range of important social issues, making the WOW Show not only a brilliant spectacle but a heartfelt showcase of the human experience through some of the most outstanding pieces of wearable art in the world. As ever, the judges had an incredibly difficult job. This year, as we watch and celebrate the evolution of new technologies, materials and techniques, there is something very grounding in celebrating a Supreme winner that is 100% hand crafted.”

Earthling is the third and final piece in a wearable art trilogy by Saunders and takes its inspiration from the rising popularity of adult colouring books. Promoting mindfulness in a “world under increasing stress”, Earthling celebrates earth’s natural wonders in a fun, vibrant, and beautifully crafted garment made from EVA foam, acrylic paint, and wire.

Taking out the popular Bizarre Bra section, were husband and wife team Kristy and David Kirkpatrick, from Tuakau, who created a ‘digger bra’, titled Groundbreaking. The winner of the Aotearoa section was a huge wooden wētā, Child·Hood by welder Craig McMillan, who took his inspiration from growing up on the West Coast.
Here are some of the winners…