Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

Calling all fans of wearable art! Here's a show that you won't want to miss, the blockbuster WOW® World of WearableArt^TM  will open at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem Massachusetts on February 18 and will run through June 1, 2017. The interactive show features 32 pieces from the permanent collection of the WOW® World of WearableArt^TM competition, the largest wearable art design competition in the world. Sustainable fashion brand, Escama Studio will be featured in the gift shop with the up-cycled silver metallic kimono and other wearable art pieces. 

If you're not familiar with the WOW® World of WearableArt^TM phenomenon here's a bit of background; now in its 25th year, WOW® is a New Zealand cultural event that combines a design competition component with hundreds of entrants each year from around the world, and a grand finale live runway show for winners that is attended in Wellington, NZ by over 50,000 people.

 

Submissions for the competition come from sculptors, fabric artists, costume designers, and makers of all types. According to the WOW site, designers are encouraged to "get art off the walls and onto the body" and 'anything that is in any way wearable can find a place on stage, as long as it is original, beautifully designed and well-made'.

The show is guaranteed to be highly entertaining and engaging. Here's a brief overview of what to expect: 32 award-winning garments from the permanent WOW® collection, integrated audio visual presentation, integrated dynamic mobile app, STQRY, interactive workroom, designer floor talks and an exhaustive deep dive into the world of wearable art on opening day. And don't forget the gift shop! There will be a hefty exhibition catalogue, exhibition specific merchandise and Brazil's Escama Studio recycled bags, accessories and recycled pop top clothing will be available in the shop. 

 

WOW® World of WearableArt^TM is presented in partnership with the New Zealand government. Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation provided generous support. The East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum also provided support.