WearableArt - Tapa dura

One of the most remarkable cultural success stories over the past 25 years in New Zealand has been the spectacular growth of the World of WearableArt, an annual competition and award show that explores the intersection of fashion and art. This unique event, which draws an audience in Wellington of over 45,000 people every year, has encouraged an explosion of creative activity, inspiring a wide range of fashion designers, artists, costume makers and other designers from all over the world to participate. The range of garments produced for this event is breathtaking, as the rules of competition mean that anything of quality that is in any way wearable can find a place on the catwalk. What this also means is that the garments are constructed from an extraordinary array of materials, while the thematic range is equally impressive, with a dizzying amalgam of ideas and influences. Expanding on earlier editions of WearableArt books, WearableArt has been completely revised in a lavish large format with all new photographs. It features the best garments that have been entered over recent years, both in a studio setting with close-up details, as well as photographs taken onstage during the WOW Awards show. This book is a remarkable celebration of the diversity and creativity of wearable art, and anyone with an interest in fashion, design and the craft arts will find it utterly inspirational.