The Australian Wearable Art Festival has announced its 38 finalists for 2025, featuring works made from dog hair, live growing grass, plastic bags and old video tape.
This year’s festival will bring together a boundary-pushing collection of designers on the intersection of fashion, sculpture, innovation and performance including American Grace DuVal who was awarded supreme winner of World of Wearable Art in 2024.
Ms DuVal will join 37 other wearable artists to debut her next creation on the Festival’s signature 27-metre-long catwalk, in an event that will transform the Sunshine Coast’s Venue 114 into an electrifying, immersive art experience on 8-9 August.
With designers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Romania, and Bali, Festival co-founder and curator Wendy Roe said artists are set to debut pieces that blend avant-garde aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, sustainability and breathtaking craftsmanship.
“Audiences should prepare for a jaw-dropping spectacle of avant-garde designs with a strong focus this year on repurposing and recycling of materials,” Ms Roe said.
“The lineup is nothing short of extraordinary—think wearable pieces that move, light up, transform and tell powerful stories through material and movement.
“We have designs featuring live growing grass, intricate handwoven natural fibres, and even robotic elements that bring garments to life on the runway.
“Our designers will truly push the limits of what wearable art can be.”
Ms Roe said this year’s 38 finalists will take the Festival’s core theme of sustainability to the next level.
“While all 11 Trashion finalists will be challenged to incorporate at least 80 per cent reused materials, sustainability is shining across every category.”
“A remarkable 24 entries feature predominantly recycled materials, while another five embrace nature with elements like wool, grasses, lichen, flowers—even dog hair!
This year, the Festival has expanded its prize pool, introduced new categories, enhanced its runway features and secured a world-class judging panel including ‘Brisbane’s Queen of Colour’ Rachel Burke and renowned textile artist Svenja.
“The Festival received record-breaking applications and a 25 per cent increase from last year’s number,” Ms Roe said.
“An increase applicants came from overseas, which speaks to the calibre and reputation the Australian Wearable Art Festival has on the global stage.
“Wearable artists and designers know that this year will be bigger, bolder and more prestigious than ever. Audiences know it too—tickets are already 20% sold out for our four shows which are still six months away.”
For those thinking about attending, Ms Roe has a clear message: “Don’t wait!”
“If you’ve ever considered coming to the Australian Wearable Art Festival, 2025 is the year to do it,” Ms Roe said.
“We can’t wait to unveil this visual feast to audiences who will witness the future of fashion, sustainability and artistic innovation like never before.”
Australian Wearable Art Festival will host four shows – including an all-new preview performance – from Friday 8 August to Saturday 9 August 2025.
Tickets are available at www.australianwearableart.com.au
