Judging
Australian Wearable Art Festival Judges
Judging Process
The judging process at the Australian Wearable Art Festival is characterised by a personalised and insightful engagement with the artists. 2025 saw a designated judging are and the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the participating finalists, to gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration, technical skill and creative journey behind each unique wearable art piece.
Artists’ statements are reviewed to gain insights into the conceptual foundations and meaning behind the wearable art submissions and then the judging panel submit their final scores after seeing the pieces performed on the catwalk. Judges allocate scores based on the following criteria:
Concept to creation
How successful has the artist been in bringing their concept into creation. Each artist will speak about their original vision and then how this might have developed over the making of the garment. Based on the artist’s intent, does this piece resonate/deliver the artist’s story clearly?
Meeting the category criteria
It is important that each piece is an accurate representation of its category. For example, a garment in Trashion must be made from 80% recycled materials. When looking at scoring, it may be that some artists have cleverly complimented their category more than others.
Skill/Execution
It is important to consider the level of skill drawn on for each piece – how the materials were manipulated and the form was constructed innovatively to build the final piece. Consideration will also be given to the level of traditional skills used such as patternmaking, sewing or floristry etc.
Silhouette/shape
Judges will look at the design basics of shape or form, structure, colour and texture and view the balance of the overall design. How does the garment fit together as a connected and coordinated look, taking the shape or silhouette, line, colour and texture into consideration? How do headpieces, accessories and shoes all add or detract to the piece?
Wearability Once on the catwalk
How well does the piece ‘dance’ with the body. Are there movements within the piece that enhance the story, a flutter of feathers, something that catches the light or drags along the ground?
Does the performer struggle with wearing the piece or is it effortless and seamless? Just keep in mind that marking is on the piece as opposed to the performance.
WOW/Impact
It is always difficult to measure something intangible but we are looking for a work that has that distinct point of difference. It may be in the form of an exaggerated feature, a striking colour, a piece of millinery so amazing it could enter on its own, a spectacular silhouette or a stunning fabric.
Whilst our 2026 judges are yet to be confirmed, please meet our 2025 judges. With extensive experience in the creative industries and accomplished artists in their own right, we look forward to our judges insights across each of our art categories.
Rachel Burke
Australian Wearable Art Festival is thrilled to have Brisbane-based artist, designer and author, Rachel Burke, was thrilled to have joined the judging panel.
Renowned for her vibrant, tactile wearable artworks that incorporate imaginative use of naive craft materials and are worn by celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles, there are few people in Australia with more successful wearable art careers than Rachel.
“I’m thrilled to be a judge at the Australian Wearable Art Festival next year! It’s an honor to celebrate the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship of wearable artists. I can’t wait to see these talented creators push boundaries and bring their imaginative visions to life!”
Natasha Smith
With a curatorial career spanning public and commercial art sectors across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, Natasha brings a truly global perspective to this year’s festival.
She leads UAP’s curatorial teams in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and New York, and has collaborated with some of the world’s most exciting artists and curators to transform public spaces through art.
Natasha also serves as Board Chair of Outer Space, a not-for-profit contemporary arts organisation supporting emerging creatives and communities.
“I am thrilled to be a judge for this year’s Australian Wearable Art Festival. Having spent much of my youth in New Zealand, I always followed the World of Wearable Art Show in Wellington with great interest. There is something intriguing about the fusion of art, movement, fashion and design that the wearable arts platform ignites and I am fascinated by the innovation and flair of it all! “
Svenja
A celebrated textile artist known for her vibrant use of colour, rich textures and nature-inspired creations. Svenja’s innovative techniques and passion for wearable art make her an invaluable addition to this year’s judging panel.
Svenja began her journey in textiles in the early 2000s and transitioned to wearable art in 2007, earning six awards from World of Wearable Art over her career. Svenja’s work has also been showcased in prestigious events and exhibitions such as Wearable Art Mandurah (Western Australia), Paper on Skin (Tasmania), Wearable Expressions (California), and the inaugural Naracoorte Art Prize (South Australia). As a regular contributor to TEXTILE Fibre Forum magazine, she shares her insights and creative journey with the Australian wearable art community.
“I’m definitely excited to be included as an overall judge for AWAF 2025, as well as representing Textile Fibre Forum magazine. I’ve seen some wonderful garments over the last few years, and I’m keen to remain involved with the wearable art world.”