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As usual, fantastic staging complemented the huge selection of incredible art-to-wear pieces. If you’re in Wellington in late September/early October, this is one show you shouldn’t miss. It’s a uniquely kiwi event featuring one-off pieces from artists around the globe, featuring themed sections such as Bizarre Bra, Illuminated Illusions, Man Unleashed and the ever-popular Children’s Section. WOW’s Open Section gives artists’ imaginations free reign, while other sections change yearly to stimulate artists’ creativity (although judging by the usual range of entries, that’s not strictly necessary!) The winner of “Man Unleashed” this year, Sir Lazyboy by Cassandra Bowe of Nelson, is a humourous blend of well-dressed man and his favourite lounge chair! I found the children’s section, which was themed around “The Garden”, particularly exciting this year. The section winner, The Dandelion Clock, by Tracey Koole of Auckland was both imaginative and beautiful, lending itself to performance perfectly as the separate parts unfolded to release the individual seeds of the dandelion to the wind. Most of the work was strikingly imaginative and fun without being overly sentimental or cutesy. Two entries stand out in my mind – the very, very peculiar but hauntingly beautiful Lagarus Ovatus En Masse, by Catherine Anderton of Wellington; and the Supreme Winner Montana WOW Award & Winner Tourism NZ Avant Garde Section, Lady Of The Wood by David Walker of Alaska, USA. Not only visually exciting and original, these two entries were both a tour de force in terms of concept and craftsmanship – the essence of what the awards have come to represent. A performance by the Topp Twins at times upstaged the show, but the crowd certainly appreciated the antics of the two stalwart kiwi performers, with cameo appearances from Ken & Ken and Prue and Dilly Ramsbottom (among others) with inevitable audience involvement. Full marks to the seasoned team at WOW. With a back history spanning the last 22 years, the show has proved that its quirky, dramatic staging and outstanding commitment to fostering and promoting this new and growing branch of the arts is a winning combination. Check it out on www.worldofwearableart.com .