A wearable arts show that started inside Enliven Southland's care homes last year is going regional — and moving to a bigger stage to handle the interest.
Enliven Southland's Wearable Arts Enliven Style will be held at Bill Richardson Transport World on Thursday October 15, from 2pm to 4pm. This year, for the first time, entries are open to other aged care providers and community groups across the region, not just Enliven's own residents and staff.
The expansion follows a debut that exceeded expectations. The 2025 show attracted 16 entries — colourful, varied and built from recycled and upcycled materials — and drew enough interest from outside Enliven's walls that organisers decided the event was too good to keep to themselves.
Enliven Southland lifestyle team leader Rachel Cade said the response had been clear.
"If last year was anything to go by, this year's Wearable Arts Enliven Style will be a spectacular showcase of imagination, community spirit, and talent," Cade said.
"After bursting at the seams last year, moving to a bigger venue means we can welcome even more entries and audience members to enjoy what promises to be a spectacular show."
The show had actually lain dormant for several years before its revival in 2025. That first-year-back success — popular with residents and staff alike — was enough to lock it in as a permanent fixture on the Enliven calendar. The enquiries that followed sealed the decision to open it up.
"We had such an amazing time last year and it brought so much joy to everyone that we wanted to provide an opportunity for the wider community to be part of something truly special," Cade said. "After launching, we received entries from multiple aged care providers and strong interest from the wider sector."
The theme this year is 'Iconic Southland'. Entry categories cover care homes, community groups, a people's choice section and an open category. Garments will be judged on wearability, construction, creativity, and use of recycled or upcycled materials.
For Cade, the show is about more than the runway. "Wearable Arts Enliven Style is about more than what appears on stage. It's about confidence, connection, and celebrating the talents of people across aged care."
The Hits' Craig Waddell will MC the event. Guest judges are yet to be confirmed.
Tickets are $10 each, available from Family Works reception at 183 Spey Street, Invercargill, or by emailing [email protected].