WOW... it certainly is!

Last night I attended the Awards night for this year's World of Wearable Arts. In its 21st year this event certainly maintains the excitement and impact that it has always done since the beginning. Each year it seems to lift its game, not only with the performances, but the quality and creativity of the garments continue to expand into a very sophisticated spectacular show. For the designers, selection into the show is a real privilege. With more and more entries coming from overseas, New Zealanders have to create harder and they most certainly do that. Everyone should be very proud to be part of the show; I know I certainly am.

My piece Iced Sherbert is paraded in the FOLD segment. I was delighted with the way it was presented on the model and her stance as she walked around the stage. She looked very elegant. I felt she certainly held her own amongst the other entries and although not an official prize winner, I feel I am a 'winner', and that is good enough for me.

I can now publish images of my piece. This is definitely prohibited until after the show starts, for obvious reasons! Iced Sherbert reflects the cold, crisp, frosty, mornings when the air shimmers and sparkles as the sun strikes the frost and snow on our surrounding hills.

Here is the scan from the programme. As it is taken from a small thumbnail image it is rather fuzzy. In due course I will receive a certificate acknowledging my piece in the show and it will show a photo of it in action. I shall publish that then.

Front view on my mannequin. Bodice is ruched and stitched with beads and sequins and these reflected in the spotlights. The green tulle represents the trees on the chilled hill tops. The main fabric is a white and silver narrow stripe synthetic fabric which had its own shine.

A view showing the side panniers. The model walked with her arms resting between the two rows of peaks.

28 days to my exhibition. Today is going to be somewhat of a rest day as I bask in satisfaction.

The World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

The 20th season of The World of Wearable Arts has once again delighted the 35000 plus enthusiastic audience. Whilst acknowledging the input of those in the Nelson region, the shift to Wellington has certainly allowed the show to 'fly'. I recall Suzie Moncrieff saying in a radio interview that in Nelson performers could only come up from under the raised performance area, while in the TSB Arena they can now also come down from the gantries in the ceiling. And fly they do! The performers and the behind-the-scene team are incredibly slick and play a major part in carrying the show. And the overall winning entry never seems to fail, it always deserve the honour; and the viewer's choice does the same – who could resist Perfect Pins!
With any event that continues over a lengthy period of time, the 'goal posts' need to rise to keep that spark which is its very essence. What we considered had the wow factor five years ago, might not pull the same punch this year. Trends and creative design skills constantly shift and reflect the maturity of not only its designers (people who submit garments for selection) but also the designers of the supporting acts. Getting these all to come together is surely a mighty challenge.
It has now been confirmed that WOW will be continuing for another four years in Wellington. I can't imagine anyone being upset with this!
The images following here have no connection with WOW whatsoever, they are simply details from a piece completed this week. I am pleased with the outcome. However, I often wonder whether this satisfaction reflects relief that I have finally resolved and completed the piece, rather than the quality of the outcome. If I still feel the same satisfaction in a few months time when I re-visit the piece, then my feelings are justifed. Time is always the best judge.




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