Aucklanders to be WOWed by wearable arts

Aucklanders will soon be able to experience the wonders of the World of WearableArt for the first time in more than a decade.

Off The Wall: WearableArt Up Close features 30 of the most memorable garments from the show's 25-year run.

The month-long exhibition, which will be at Auckland War Memorial Museum from February 22, will also feature an interactive display.

Auckland Museum Project Manager Mark Trufitt says the opportunity to see the garments up-close will enhance the experience for viewers who may have previously only seen the creations from afar.

"Ultimately it's about taking the best of the best and displaying them so you'll be able to see them close up," Mr Trufitt said.

"I think it will add a whole new dimension. The quality of workmanship in these

garments is incredible."

No one garment can be singled out as his favourite, he says.

"They're all pretty much wow. I think that they're all excellent in their own merit, because they're all different.

"Each one has their own wow factor."

A large-scale montage of previous shows, and recordings of interviews with the designers, will also feature in the exhibition. It will include new footage not seen in the other locations, Trufitt says.

The featured garments, which are usually displayed at the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum in Nelson, were chosen by WOW founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff and Weta Workshop's Sir Richard Taylor.

The exhibition is a great way to further celebrate the work of WOW designers, Moncrieff says.

"The Off the Wall exhibition represents examples of the most extraordinary garments from our historic garment collection.

"Seeing the garments up close is a truly inspiring experience and I have felt incredibly proud of the way they have been showcased in Off the Wall."

The travelling exhibition began in Canterbury in 2011 and has so far visited Southland, Otago, and Rotorua. After its stint in Auckland, it will head to the Waikato and Palmerston North.