Three Tauranga designers have been selected as finalists for the 2026 World of Wearable Art (WOW) Competition.

The three artists are among 54 finalists competing in this year’s WOW, which runs from September 14 to October 4 in Wellington.

Competitors include a librarian, a death doula, a GP, fashion students at the start of their careers, and designers whose work has been worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce.

This year’s 108 finalist garments, from designers across 18 countries, represent an extraordinary cross-section of global creative talent. Their designs draw on personal histories, cultural traditions, engineering, performance, fashion, and fine art.

Taranga film and television costumer Georgia Chalmers-Jones is a finalist.

She said in a media release that she went to her first WOW show in 2022 and was ”blown away" by the diversity of designs “coming together to create one incredible spectacle”.

“I knew I had to enter the following year.”

Her garment, The Golden Age of Queens, went on to win the 2023 New Zealand Design Award.

Chalmers-Jones said her work in film and television surrounded her with exceptional creative talent, and WOW inspired her to push those skills in entirely new directions.

“My job gives me the privilege of learning from some incredibly talented people, but WOW gives me the opportunity to take those techniques somewhere completely different with my own garment.

“Last year, I incorporated natural fibres into my design, drawing inspiration from weavers I’d previously had the privilege of working alongside.”

WOW head of competition Sarah Nathan said one of the things that made WOW so special was its diverse range of art makers.

“WOW sees the work of everyday people making extraordinary things stand alongside some of the world’s most exceptional avant-garde talent.

“It’s an incredibly unique community, where a deep passion for craft and storytelling is shared between everyone from technologists and teachers to designers whose work has been worn by some of the boldest dressing celebrities on the planet.”

Nathan said that creativity was also applied to materials across the board, with designers transforming everything from more than 100 love letters to Aotearoa to emergency blankets converted into more than a thousand flexible spikes.

“Every year, designers astound us with their innovation,” Nathan said.

“There’s some particularly genius reimagining of materials this year, with garments incorporating milk bottles and chip packets that are so completely transformed, even those in the front rows and stage side will be hard-pressed to identify them.”

Nathan said two of this year’s special sections - Metallic and Kinetic – have inspired some “particularly awe-inspiring work”.

“Each year the special sections propel designers to take on creative challenges they – and we - may never have imagined.”

Metallic, rooted in mineral tones and ore-inspired textures, has inspired everything from sleek, high-shine futuristic creations to delicate filigree work and narrative-driven pieces.

Meanwhile, Kinetic was designed to create moments of genuine wonder through movement.

“No two approaches are alike, from delicate to industrial. WOW fans are in for such a treat, and the judges have a real challenge on their hands.”

Nathan said the Aotearoa Section promises to be one of the most “emotionally resonant” experiences of the 2026 show, with designers drawing deeply on their personal connections, perspectives and stories of their relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The resulting works are moving, surprising and deeply reflective, combining compelling kōrero with exquisite craft – which sits in direct contrast with the bold, bizarre and downright delightful riot that will be Bizarre Bra.”

WOW finalists will take part in a programme of designer events ahead of the awards night, where winners will share more than $200,000 in prizes.

Tickets to the 2026 WOW show are on sale now at the WOW website.