Expect the unexpected

Welcome to Australia’s pre-eminent showcase of wearable art – where sculpture leaves the gallery, finds the human body and comes alive in a spectacular performance. Let us take you on a journey where you immerse yourself in a world where imagination has gone wild and been given centre stage. You don’t need to know anything about art. You just need to be curious.

Arrive. Take it all in.

Your AWAF experience starts before you even take your seat.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by models in wearable art, and you step straight into a playful and super-engaging creative world – all with a glass of bubbles and divine food in your hand. You are encouraged to wander, ask questions, take photos and get inspired.

Take a peek behind the curtain.

No matter which ticket type you have booked, in 2027 you have the option to book a ‘Backstage Pass’ and see the 2027 finalists’ works before they take to the stage. Meet the artists and models, see each piece up close, discover the stories behind the works and get a greater understanding of what it takes to bring these extraordinary creations to the runway. Talk to the people who made these creations and discover the ideas, materials and stories behind each piece. These are limited to 200 passes per show and are just $35 per person. 

Then the light go down…

And this is where the magic really happens.

Each artwork is given its own moment on stage – its own music, lighting, projections and movement – creating a unique performance as individual as the work itself.

There will be reveals. Unexpected moments. Moments that make your heart sing, moments that challenge you to see something differently, and moments that will have you laughing, clapping or singing out loud.

Sculptural forms become animated. Materials take on a new life. Dancers and performers become part of the story. The runway becomes a stage, and the artwork becomes the star.

This isn’t simply a parade of beautiful things. It’s a theatrical experience designed to make you feel something. Every work gets its moment. Every artist gets their story. And for one unforgettable afternoon or evening, you get to experience it all unfold before you.

Come with your people

Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends for a great afternoon or night out. Dress up if you feel like it. Have a drink. Discover something unexpected. Talk about your favourite piece afterwards.

Bring the family and give young minds permission to think differently. AWAF is a place to see what can happen when someone takes an idea, follows their curiosity and makes something completely their own.