"Wellington's extravagant World of WearableArt is back for 2025, including pieces by 85 finalists that showcase the some of today's most elaborate and fanciful costumes. One hundred designers from 17 countries competed for a prize pool of more than $200,000 New Zealand dollars across 25 awards. The competition culminates in an elaborate performance, with this year's top honor, known as the WOW Supreme Award, handed to design duo Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould."
"The U.S.-based designers have been finalists several times since 2017, and this marks their first win. Mostow and Gould's piece 'Tsukumogami' draws on Mostow's time living in Japan, nodding to the country's folklore and craft traditions through a reference to mythological tools that can be imbued with a spirit, or a kami. Two figures completely covered in blue-and-white latex stand like elaborate classical vases, with ikebana flower arrangements on their heads."
"This year's runner-up is Fifi Colston's 'Meine Erste Liebe,' a title which means 'my first love' in German. The wearer is transformed into a medusa, with an elaborate bodice and globular headdress, plus an elaborate, bell-like skirt embellished with detailed jellyfish. 2025 World of WearableArt Show: RISE performances continue through October 5 at TSB Arena in Wellington. Explore more, including an archive of pieces from earlier shows, on the contest's website."
The 2025 World of WearableArt in Wellington features 85 finalist pieces and performances continuing through October 5 at TSB Arena. One hundred designers from 17 countries competed for a prize pool exceeding NZ$200,000 across 25 awards. The competition culminated in a staged performance with the WOW Supreme Award granted to Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould for 'Tsukumogami.' The winning design references Japanese folklore and craft traditions, portraying two figures in blue-and-white latex topped with ikebana arrangements. Fifi Colston placed runner-up with 'Meine Erste Liebe,' a medusa-inspired costume featuring an elaborate bodice, globular headdress, and a bell-like skirt embellished with jellyfish.
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