The much-loved Wānaka Wearable Creations show is set to return in 2026, ten years after the last show.

A staple on the local events calendar for two decades, the show featured wearable art made and modelled by locals before ending in 2016.

Now the Wanaka Wearables Charitable Trust is bringing it back by popular demand.

“The trustees have been listening and are excited and inspired to bring back to the Wānaka region a much-loved performance and display of local creativity, ingenuity and inspiration,” the trust said in a statement.

Trustees Anna Mackay, Sarah Shore, and Tracey Gibson will run the show, and there are two other trustees - Grenville Craig and Andrew Lovelock.

Four shows will run from May 20-23 2026.

“This is a non-competitive, community-focused platform where your creativity sets the rules,” the trust said. 

“There are no set categories and no prize money.”

The Wānaka Wearables Charitable Trust is now calling for artists and creators to take part.

“Whether your work is fashion, sculpture, performance art, or something entirely unique, we invite you to create a wearable creation that tells your story.”

“We expect the interest to be huge, so make sure you don't miss out. There are limited places available.”

Applications (from [email protected]) close on August 31.

The Wānaka Wearables Charitable Trust aims to promote and support the local creative arts and amateur arts community and encourage sustainability, recycling and upcycling.

PHOTO: Alpine Image Co