Toi Ohomai Tutor Makes 2026 World of WearableArt Finals
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026
This year’s World of Wearable Art (WOW) finalist shows, Glo!, have commenced in Wellington and feature the creative work of Toi Ohomai Principal Academic Staff Member, Anne-Marie Simon.
Anne-Marie’s wearable art creation, It Takes All Sorts, was selected for the event’s Bizzare Bra category.
Inspired by RJ’s Licorice Allsorts, Anne-Marie constructed the sculptural bra using oversized, lolly-like forms. It Takes All Sorts features bright blocks of colour, stripes, dots and zigzags, creating a high-impact visual spectacle.
Anne-Marie says the design explores individuality and coexistence.
"It draws on the idea that although each Allsort is unique in colour, texture and shape, together they create something instantly recognisable, nostalgic, and oddly comforting. No two elements are the same, yet none overpower the others. Harmony is achieved through difference.”
Anne-Marie is honoured to have been selected as a 2026 WOW finalist alongside 133 talented designers from across the world.
"Reaching the WOW finals is recognition of the many hours of experimentation, design development and craftsmanship that go into creating a wearable art piece," Anne-Marie says.
"It’s incredibly rewarding to see my research, teaching and creative practice come together in such a significant event. It's been a blast travelling to Wellington, meeting other finalists from around the world, taking part in networking events and experiencing the behind-the-scenes activities that WOW provides, including a backstage tour."
While 2026 is Anne-Marie's first-time entering WOW, her career spans more than 20 years in the fashion industry and over 17 years in tertiary education. She has previously been a finalist in the Parking Drawing Awards, Miles Art Awards and this year's Rotorua Art Awards.
As an educator, Anne-Marie believes it is important to continue challenging herself creatively and professionally, and lead by example for her ākonga.
“Entering WOW demonstrates to my students that learning doesn't stop after graduation, and that taking creative risks can lead to unexpected opportunities. Being connected and actively contributing to the creative community is equally important. It allows me to bring current knowledge, real-world experiences and practical insights directly back into the classroom here at Toi Ohomai.”
“I hope my experiences as a WOW finalist encourage ākonga to believe in their own creative abilities, embrace experimentation and have the confidence to enter competitions and showcase their work beyond the classroom,” Anne-Marie says.
WOW's Bizarre Bra category is only open for entries every second year. Anne-Marie says she was inspired to enter this year’s competition while she was curating an upcoming exhibition for Te Ara o Mauao Gallery on campus at Windermere.
"Unveiled: The Digital Seam is set to open at our campus gallery in October and features a selection of previous WOW finalist pieces. Exploring the work of wearable art designers inspired me to challenge myself to enter WOW for the first time. I wanted to put that learning into practice and experience the creative process from the perspective of a WOW designer. I couldn't be happier with the outcome."
“After WOW, I’m looking forward to sharing Unveiled: The Digital Seam with the community. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience these extraordinary wearable artworks up close in Tauranga. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Anne-Marie also acknowledges those who have supported her in her journey to the WOW finals.
"A special thank you to Anne Shirley, a friend, artist and photographer, for her constant encouragement, unwavering support, and for photographing my creative works and competition entries over the years. I would also like to thank Karolina Bemova, our wonderful technician at Toi Ohomai, whose technical expertise, creativity and problem-solving skills provide invaluable support to both kaimahi and ākonga.”
GLO!, the 2026 WOW Awards Show, runs at Wellington's TSB Arena from 17 September to 4 October. Anne-Marie is among 134 finalists from around the world whose entries will be showcased across 18 performances.