Dutch artist Saar Snoek took out the Aotearoa Section award in 2017 with 'Human Nature'. Photo: Supplied / World of Wearable Arts
The World of WearableArt has been sold to Auckland-based company STILL.
Created by Dame Suzie Moncrieff in Nelson in 1987, WOW is the world's leading wearable art competition which attracts entries from around the world and culminates in a spectacular theatrical stage show held in Wellington.
Moncrieff and her sister and co-owner Heather Palmer announced the sale of the brand in Nelson today.
Moncrieff said after three and a half decades, it was the right time for the show to have new guardians.
Dame Suzie Moncrieff. Photo: Supplied
"WOW for me has been an exciting and fulfilling adventure. Heather and I have worked so hard over the past 35 years, sometimes against the odds. The Covid years were immensely challenging and we realised it was time to step back, time for a reset for us and for WOW."
The change of ownership will not change the structure, staffing or day to day operations of the company and the WOW Awards Show will continue to be hosted in Wellington, where it's been held since 2005.
Moncrieff said STILL owner Hideaki Fukutake shared her vision for WOW and she was confident it would thrive under STILL's ownership for generations to come.
Fukutake said the company was very aware that the acquisition of the brand carried significant cultural responsibility.
"The World of WearableArt is a New Zealand treasure. We know how important WOW is to New Zealand and we are passionate about ensuring it lasts well into the future - for at least another 35 years and beyond.
"For STILL this is about protecting a creative treasure for future generations of New Zealanders and making a long term contribution to creativity and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand."