Roadway to runway

My first encounter with WOW was in 2023. Uncertain of what to expect beyond a fashion show of models stalking down a runway wearing ‘homemade’ outfits, I could not have been more wrong. WOW is nothing shy of a spectacular show – a stunning mix of theatre, art, fashion, music and dance, ‘wow’ sums it up perfectly, with oft times hard to differentiate the entries and models with the costumes and dancers.

The entries themselves have seemingly stepped of the gallery wall and onto the runway. 

Inspired by the creative, boundary-testing atmosphere, I bought myself a sketchbook the very next day and spent the next few months crafting my own wearable art dress. Clearly my dress did not make the cut, or I would have opened with that news. What I did come away with though was an appreciation of just how much work and heart goes into each piece. 

Undeterred, I returned to Wellington this year to see what I missed out on. Once again, WOW did not disappoint. This years’ winning piece setting the bar even higher. Seven years in the making, American, Grace Duval’s entry, ‘Curves ahead’, was a show stopping blend of road cones, safety fencing and vinyl signs inspired by the rebuilding as a nation after witnessing the Kaikoura earthquake in 2017. 

I returned home with renewed vigour and inspiration for my next entry.

Given it was my third visit to Wellington, I had seen the must-sees – Wētā workshop, Te Papa, Parliament building and the Cable car – so I dug a little deeper to unearth some hidden treasures and explore beyond the TSB Arena.

Ziggurat: Further down Cuba Street, past all the brand stores, I stumbled into op shop heaven. Two stores in one, Ziggurat houses an incredible collection of vintage clothing, hats, jewellery and shoes that made me think I’d walked into a dress-up box and absolutely had to partake. 

QT Hotel: Formerly The Art Hotel, it showcases an extraordinary collection. Walking into the foyer is like visiting a gallery – walk past the life-sized bull made from corned beef tins, past the half-stuffed half-metal sculpture rabbits, past the signature Robin White, and make your way to the bar where Dick Frizzell studies you intently as you sip your wine.

The Library: Heading back to our rather tame (in comparison) hotel, a small sign caught our eye, promising great cocktails, live music and ambience. I doubted this promise as we made our way up the three floors of fire exit stairs to a fire exit door. If not for a group exiting at that moment, we may well have missed the entrance. The hike was however, well worth it. It felt as if we’d walked into an old-world bookstore, plush velvet seating, antique pictures and a rainbow plethora of books lining the walls. The library, in theme with WOW had a “World of Drinkable Arts” menu for the occasion, with what was described as ‘instagram-able’ cocktails to match each section of the show.

Like most discoveries this trip, off-the-beaten track, and hidden from those not “in the know”, I barely scratched the surface. I am certain my next trip will reveal more gems.

Lorry McCarthy, Graphic Designer and budding WOW entrant.