If you're a dedicated follower of fashion, well as much as you can be when you're masquerading as a plebby backpacker, forget about your jandals and singlet for a day and go and check out the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum .
The World of Wearable Art originated in Nelson and has now grown so big it has an annual show in Wellington . It basically involves creating a wearable garment using any form of object, even kitchen utensils or feathers, whatever floats your boat. Designers from around the world submit entries every year for a spot in the prestigious show, and the WOW Museum in Nelson has just some of their creations on display.
It's a truly amazing exhibition. First off, you get to watch a video of models parading these creations on the catwalk, where you get an incredible sense of the showmanship of it all. Then it's just you and your programme list and the rest of the exhibits in the museum.
"creating a wearable garment using any form of object, even kitchen utensils or feathers"
It's kind of cool how the outfits are displayed, as they rotate round on a conveyor belt like a catwalk and you sit down below and watch as they go past. Well, it definitely made me feel like some head honcho important fashion buyer anyway, even though I was just sitting there in my singlet and jandals. Where's a backpacker going to pull a flash outfit from for an event like this anyway? Just as well it was a
mock-up!
After my whirlwind foray into the crazy world of fashion, I took a trip round the Classic Car Gallery, which is housed in the same building.
It's a tribute to automative design and performance fuelled by man's obsession with speed, power and luxury. There are more than 50 cars and motorbikes to check out, so have your camera at the ready.
When you're all done, there's the museum gallery shop, reflections art gallery with paintings from emerging and established New Zealand artists and a café for a pick-me-up.
The World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum can be found at Cadillac Way off Quarantine Road, Nelson. It's a 10 minute drive from Nelson city on the way to Abel Tasman National Park .
The museum is open every day except Christmas Day from 10am until 5pm. Admission is $18.
For more information call 03 547 4573, email info@wowcars.co.nz or visit www.wowcars.co.nz
Rachel stayed at Tasman Bay Backpackers at 10 Weka Street , Nelson. It's a real home from home with a lovely cosy atmosphere. The best thing is, you get free breakfast with toast, cereals and tea and coffee, and every night they serve a yummy hot chocolate pudding with ice cream which is simply divine!
