Easy as 1 - 2 - 3 !!

1 Fill in the registration form on our website. This does not commit you to entry into the competition but does gain you access to important information leading up to the show (welcome entry pack, newsletter updates, access to private facebook group, key dates details etc).

2We will send you an entry reminder - We require entry payment along with photos of your design before the enrty deadline. These will confirm your entry into the competition.

3 Bring your design to life and attend our dress rehearsal (date TBC) and show (date TBC)

We can’t wait to have you along for the ride!

2026 Themes TBC

Each of the age categories have a distinct theme.

Please review the details provided for the themes in your welcome pack (we will send you this after registering) to clearly understand requirements as there may be restrictions or guidance on materials used or explanation on the theme interpretation.

Prizes:

Great prizes for first, second and third winners within each category.

Tickets and flights to attend the WoW show in Wellington for junior and adult supreme winners.

Benefits:

As well as prizes there are a range of perks for designers including tickets to our show, access to our private designers group facebook page (network with other designers, attend events and share experiences) and a profile featuring your work on our website.

Our panel of judges will be evaluating the creativity, innovation, originality and construction of entries. Judging takes place during the dress rehearsal, with winners being announced during the Saturday performance. The judges decision is final.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Concept

* How original was the idea?

* Was it tastefully brought to life?

* How clear is the story?

2. Construction

* How well was the entry made

* Were its features composed well on the body

3. Stage Presence

* How much of an impact did the entry make when on stage?

Entry fee: Student $10.00 per entry, Adult $25 per entry, to be submitted before entry deadline.

Please provide a colour photograph of your design being worn by a model or on mannequin, front and back, also submitted with entry fee (more details on how to do this will be provide in your welcome pack)

Entries can be submitted by an individual or a team (Teams - please note that that only one can collect the ‘supreme’ prize).

Teams can be up to three designers within the group and must all be within the same age category.

The sizes of the wearable art must be able to fit onto our stage and as such cannot be over 200cm tall or 150cm wide

Models can be provided by NCWA but sizing for your wearable art must be given well in advance so we can make arrangements for a suitable model. Otherwise, you must organise a model to wear your design on stage for both the dress rehearsal and the show night.

Please ensure your piece is safe to wear on stage and that the model can see and breath easily, move with confidence and the piece is not a danger to others (falling pieces, sharp edges/points etc)

Designers are responsible for making sure their artworks do not infringe on other creative intellectual property and designs are original.

Entrants must be available to attend the dress rehearsal (date TBC). We also encourage entrants to exhibit their designs after the show. Details of the gallery and duration of exhibit TBC

Please note key dates:

Entries open - Now!

Registration closes - TBC

Dress rehearsal - TBC

Show and awards - TBC

Exhibition - Oxford Art Gallery, Date TBC, exhibition running for one month. Designers of awarded entries can deliver their works to the gallery.

Wow - 2026 show dates TBC