Wearable technology? Yawn. In Hawaii, the hot ticket is wearable works of art

Wearable technology may be all the rage, but wearable art takes the concept a step or two further in a Honolulu exhibit.

Fusing fashion and art, the World of Wearable Art, or WOW, exhibit at the Bishop Museum is the first U.S. venue to host these aesthetic works from the New Zealand organization’s vast collection.

The 27-year-old World of Wearable Art competition attracts hundreds of fashion designers, artists and costume makers who are encouraged to take art off the wall and place it on humans.

The contest rules allow an array of entries, welcoming anything that is in any way wearable, as long as it is original, beautifully designed and well-made.

Thirty-two award-winning garments are on display at the Bishop. One, titled “Gothic Habit,” is a large, three-dimensional replica of a classic cathedral. It covers a model from neck to thigh.

Interactive elements complement the costumes. Guests are invited to design and create paper-doll pieces of wearable art that then become part of an ever-expanding display.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 1. The World of Wearable Art will be exhibited at Seattle’s EMP Museum from July through January 2017.

Museum admission is $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors 65 and older and $14.95 for youth ages 4-12.

Info: Bishop Museum, (808) 847-3511.

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