Wellington is abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated World of WearableArt (WOW) Show kicks off tonight at the TSB Arena. Running till 13 October, this year’s WOW Show, titled DREAM AWAKE, invites audiences on an immersive voyage into a fantastical realm, showcasing wearable art like never before.
The 2024 show revolves around the DREAM AWAKE theme, delivering a dazzling experience through six captivating dreamscapes, each drawing inspiration from the competition’s design themes. Led by Executive Creative Director Brian Burke, an International Emmy-nominated producer, the show aims to push the limits of creativity and stage performance. Burke describes the spectacle as a breathtaking journey: “The 2024 WOW Show will transport audiences to surprising and unexpected places. We have jaw-dropping performances, aerial artistry, extravagant costumes, and phenomenal wearable art from around the world, all coming together in a visual spectacle you can only experience at WOW.”
Innovative stage designs will bring the garments closer to the audience, with a completely reimagined set featuring live camera feeds and giant projections to showcase the fine details of each design. This year’s show aims to create a deeper connection between viewers and the creativity at the heart of the competition.
As always, the WOW competition remains prestigious, with over $185,000 in prize money spread across six categories, including the much-loved Avant-garde, Aotearoa, and Open categories. This year also introduces three exciting new categories: Crazy Curiosities of the Creature Carnival, Natural World, and Geometric Abstraction. According to WOW’s Head of Competition, Sarah Nathan, the quality of entries is outstanding, particularly from international designers, raising the stakes for all involved. A new Transformation Innovation Award has added extra excitement, encouraging designers to explore garments that dramatically transform during the show.
With approximately 60,000 attendees last year, the event continues to grow in popularity. WOW Chief Executive Meg Williams attributes this success to positive feedback on recent creative developments and strong ticket sales, crediting Burke’s leadership for elevating the show. Burke’s background in high-profile Las Vegas productions has brought state-of-the-art theatre technology and innovation to the WOW stage, offering a world-class experience for both local and international audiences.
This year, WOW offers a variety of ticket options, from Gold seating and Platinum to Stageside Plus and exclusive VIP Table packages, ensuring a memorable experience for all. A backstage tour, limited to just 40 attendees per night, provides a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of this spectacular production.
As opening night approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high. Williams promises a truly unique and uplifting experience: “The 2024 WOW Show: DREAM AWAKE is going to be the most intriguing and uplifting experience. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for the spectacle of the year.”
Wellington is ready to embrace the magic once more as WOW 2024 prepares to enchant, surprise, and inspire audiences worldwide.
 Show kicks off tonight at the TSB Arena. Running from tonight till 13 October, this year’s WOW Show, titled DREAM AWAKE, invites audiences on an immersive voyage into a fantastical realm, showcasing wearable art like never before.){kind=link}