Let’s Get Started

CREATIVE DETAILS &  RULES FOR ENTRY

• Artists must submit a complete application and provide visual materials by the stated deadline. 

• Entries will only be accepted from individuals and not businesses or nonprofits.

• Creations must represent an emotion or characteristic. To avoid too many representations of specific emotions or characteristics, review of applications and feedback will not be provided until after the submission deadline. 

• Please submit applications for your two favorite different emotions or characteristics: for example, submit one application for a design for “loathing” and another application for a design for “elation”. 

• This is NOT a garment line. We are looking for loud, large & unexpected creations. Please do not submit a design for a dress, cape, or other singular clothing piece. Remember: Wearable Art pieces must COMPLETELY TRANSFORM the wearer!

• Accepted artists will have regular check-ins with a Wearable Art representative by phone or in-person from acceptance date to reaching the runway. 

• Accepted artwork must be available for all rehearsals and performances of the Fashion Show at the Telluride Conference Center from February 21 to 27. 

• All accepted artwork will be part of the Fashion Show’s  “Wearable Art Line”. Choreography and stage direction will come from the Fashion Show Director.

TICKETS & VOLUNTEERING

• Accepted artists receive TWO tickets to the DRESS REHEARSAL performance on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th OR a $75 TICKET CREDIT to any performance (Thursday, Friday or Saturday, 2/25 - 27).

• Artists are welcome to volunteer on the Wearable Art backstage dressing team. Please contact Kathleen or Kris if you are interested. 

• More ticketing information will be provided to artists in early February via email.

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.

IMPORTANT DATES

MON JAN 4, 2027

Deadline to Submit Application & required visual materials (sketches, mood board, Pinterest pages, etc.)

WEEK OF JAN 12TH

Notification to artists of participation

JAN 11TH TO SAT FEB 20

Artist work time & weekly individual artist check in with TAB creative mentors

SUN FEB 21

Model fittings with artists at Conference Center/ Mountain Village

WEEK OF FEB 21 - 27

TAB Fashion Show Rehearsals & Performances

SUN FEB 28

Creations move to AhHaa School for the Arts for March exhibit/ Town of Telluride

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

• Artists must provide all components (excluding shoes) of a complete, ready-to-wear & original creation that must not have been used previously in a TAB-sponsored event. 

• Any medium may be used: fabric of all kinds, paint, paper, wire, feathers, etc. If you are unsure, please ask Kathleen or Kris. 

• NO fire/open flame or glitter permitted.

• Creations may be built on existing garments, such as corsets, formal gowns or jumpsuits.

• Artists are asked to build creations with flexible sizing through the use of stretchy fabrics, velcro closures and adjustable elements. Creations may be non-gendered. 

• Creations must be easy to put on, comfortable to wear, able to be walked in and climb stairs, and allow the model to move without being in pain or having any safety hazards. 

• Creations must be rigorous enough to be worn at multiple rehearsals and performances.

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.

DELIVERY

• FITTINGS: Artists will fit their creation on models on SUNDAY, February 21 at the Conference Center, AT 3pm. 

• Out-of-town artist creations must be received no later than WEDNESDAY, February 17. Kathleen will provide mailing instructions. 

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

• 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.

• After the Fashion Show, all creations will be exhibited & for sale at AhHaa School for the Arts during the month of March.

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 your piece is balanced. Does it need a head piece? Leg or arm coverings? 

• Make sure your creation 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 will be exhibited & for sale at AhHaa during the month of March.
  

FINAL WORD

• 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.

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


• By submitting an application, you permit Telluride AIDS Benefit to use images of your creation on social media, in publicity, on the TAB website, etc.