After a two-year hiatus, the World of WearableArt (WOW) is reviving its Bizarre Bra category, a staple of the competition that challenges designers to reinvent the everyday undergarment as a piece of high art. Sarah Nathan, WOW’s head of competition, notes that the category’s return taps into the complex, often contradictory relationship between the body, fashion, and social expectation.
Why the Bizarre Bra category remains relevant
The Bizarre Bra category, first conceived by Dame Suzie Moncrieff in 1995, has appeared in the competition 16 times. According to Sarah Nathan, the category succeeds because it allows designers to explore intimate themes—such as mental health, the experience of motherhood, and personal empowerment—within a manageable design brief. Unlike other accessories, the bra sits close to the heart, making it a powerful platform for social commentary. It also serves as a “glorious rebellion,” forcing designers to push the boundaries of convention, gender, and functionality.
The Bizarre Bra category is a favorite for newcomers. Because the scale is more manageable than a full-body garment, it provides an accessible entry point for first-time designers, while also preventing experienced creators from missing out on the competition.
What defines a winning design?
Winning entries often balance technical skill with a sense of “bizarre” imagination. Sarah Nathan explains that during judging, Dame Suzie Moncrieff consistently asks, “Is it bizarre enough?” High-scoring pieces often feature a clever, pun-based concept—a hallmark of Kiwi design—and demonstrate a meaningful relationship between the garment and the human form. Notable past entries include Rebecca Bond’s 2023 piece Eyes Up Here, a trio of spinning discs that explored female stereotypes and diversity, and Wendy Moyer’s 2018 design Something Fishy: A Man Eater Double Feature, which utilized large-scale sculptural forms.
The evolution of lingerie as art
The fascination with the bra as a design object mirrors a broader shift in fashion history. In 1984, Jean Paul Gaultier caused a stir by presenting lingerie as outerwear in his “Barbès” collection. This aesthetic was cemented in 1990 when Madonna toured in a custom Gaultier pink corset and bullet bra. By moving the bra from a functional, hidden item to a visible, styled statement, designers have kept the garment in the public consciousness for decades. Today, the category at WOW continues to reflect these tensions, treating the bra as both a decorative accessory and a political tool.
How to engage with the upcoming exhibition
The World of WearableArt will return to Wellington from September 17 to October 4. Ahead of the event, several bras from the WOW collection will be exhibited at Wellington International Airport, offering the public a chance to view the intricate craftsmanship firsthand. Whether you are an aspiring designer or an admirer of wearable art, these pieces provide a clear look at how the mundane is transformed into the extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did WOW bring back the Bizarre Bra category?
It is incredibly popular with both audiences and designers. A two-to-three-year rotation allows the competition to offer variety while ensuring this specific challenge remains fresh. - Who can enter the competition?
The category is open to both first-time designers and experienced entrants, with organizers reporting a significant increase in interest from international creators this year. - Where can I see the designs?
Selected pieces will be on display at Wellington International Airport leading up to the main event in September.
Are you a designer or a fan of wearable art? Share your favorite memory of the Bizarre Bra category in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the upcoming Wellington season.
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