Wearable Art 2024

Huge Headpieces & Crazy Collars

These pieces are super sized, rich in color, full of movement & fascinating to view!

  • • Up to two separate creations may be submitted per artist/group.

    • This year's creations will only be headpieces or collars. Models will wear simple monochromatic garments provided by TAB.

    • All entries must be complete, be an original design and must not have been used previously in a TAB-sponsored event. Artists must provide everything the model needs in order to wear the headpiece or collar on the runway and up and down stairs.

    • All entries must be a headpiece, collar or combination of the two. Additional accessories may be discussed.

    • Any material may be used to create the artwork: metal, wire, paper, plastic, fabric—stretch your creative limits!

    • Lights may be incorporated.

    • No fire/open flame or glitter is permitted.

    • Artwork may be built on helmets, hats or other structures.

    ALL ARTWORK MUST:

    • Be able to withstand the rigors of transportation to the Telluride Conference Center.

    • Be able to be walked in on a flat runway and up and down small steps.

    • Be able to withstand repeated wearing during rehearsals and fittings.

  • Part Cirque du Soleil, part dance show, part Telluride funk! Over 30 years in the making, the Fashion Show has historically been performed to over 600 seat holders as part of the Telluride AIDS Benefit’s annual fundraiser. A fast paced show, this year's performances on the Conference Center's runway will explode with a full load of music, lights, colorful talent and audience interaction. All models are volunteers who dedicate a full month of rehearsals to put the show together. The show culminates every evening with a Live Auction, full of incredible trips, wines and other treasures. The Sample Sale, an opportunity to purchase runway fashion, is held the Monday after the shows.

  • January 6

    Deadline for entry application and visual materials (required)

    January 8 - February 15

    Artists notification of participation, work time & individual artist check ins with creative mentor

    February 14

    Delivery deadline (out of town artists)

    February 16

    Model fittings at Conference Center

    February 16-22

    Rehearsals & Performances

    February 23

    Pick up creations (if not selling)

  • DEADLINE / Entries must be submitted by Jan 8, 2024

    LIMIT / 2 entries per designer or group.

    THEME / Huge Headpieces & Crazy Collars

    ACCEPTED ARTWORK / Accepted artists receive TWO tickets to the DRESS REHEARSAL performance on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 or a $75 TICKET CREDIT to any performance (Thursday, Friday or Saturday).

    DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

    • All entries must be a headpiece, collar or combination of the two. Additional accessories may be discussed.

    • All entries must be original designs and must not have been used previously in a TAB-sponsored event.

    • Artists must provide all components of complete, ready-to-wear pieces.

  • ORIGINALITY / Is it conceptually fresh and stands out from the rest?

    CREATIVITY / Does the piece WOW the audience?

    CRAFTSMANSHIP / Is the piece well constructed?

    PRESENTATION + STAGING / Does the piece show well on the body and the stage?

    PERFORMANCE / How does the piece hold up through multiple rehearsals?

    *TAB retains the right to make additions and deletions to entries when needed due to mechanics, stage logistics and model comfort. The Wearable Art Committee will judge all submissions. The committee’s decisions are final and will not be challenged.

  • Accepted artwork will need to be available for all rehearsals and performances of the Fashion Show at the Telluride Conference Center from Sunday, February 18th through Saturday, February 24th.

    Provide clear instructions on hang tags. Include your name, title, sketch/photo of entry, dressing instructions, inventory of accessories for each garment and any special needs required for backstage (e.g. storage, hanging, etc).

    You must provide every item that your model needs to wear your piece.

    Loops, velcro closures and wig stands will make storage and hanging easier. If a particular hanger or stand is needed, you will need to provide it.

    Entries must be durable! Test each piece and be confident it is not too heavy, unbalanced, uncomfortable or will not hold together with multiple wearings.

  • A great concept must be supported with form and design.

    • Taking art off the wall and adorning the moving body requires you to make your entry integral to the human form.

    • Make sure the garment is comfortable enough to wear, so it can be choreographed for a model to show it off to its best advantage.

    • Entries including dangerous or sharp pieces or unfinished edges that may be harmful to models will not be considered.

    • All accepted artwork will be part of a “Wearable Art line” during the Fashion Show. Choreography and stage direction will come from the Fashion Show Director.

    • Creations may be donated to TAB for the Sample Sale, held starting Monday after the performances.

    • TAB accepts no responsibility for any damage to or loss of entries.

    • TAB reserves the right to accept only a portion of your total entries.

    • TAB reserves the right to auction or sell all entries it chooses upon agreement with the designer.

    (Please indicate which pieces are available for sale on your entry form.)

    • TAB reserves the right to remove your entry from the Fashion Show production at any point in the week of performances.


    • By submitting your creation you are permitting Telluride AIDS Benefit to use images of your creation to be used on social media, publicity, website, etc.

Let’s Get Started


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Email required materials to Kathleen Morgan at kathleen@aidsbenefit.org

You may also email Kathleen with any questions about entering the Wearable Art line.

Your application is only complete once this form and visual materials have been received.

Wearable Art

Got a great Wearable Art idea for the TAB Fashion Show? 

Let's go!

Download the Artist Resources, complete the Application and email your visual materials. 

Once accepted, you'll be guided by a creative mentor to help you build the best stage-ready creation possible!

What is wearable art?

Wearable art is unique artwork created to be worn and displayed. It is fun, unexpected and not recognizable as traditional clothing. Think BIG, BOLD and FUNKY!

Why wearable art?

Robert Presley, for whom TAB was started, was an incredible local clothing designer and costume creator. Every year in his honor, TAB continues to support designers from near and far by including their work in the Fashion Show.