Waipā siblings David and Sarah Tasker were not among the winners but are celebrating getting on the World of Wearable Art stage as 2025 finalists.

How the Taskers’ entry looked. Photo: Mark Tantrum
“… we didn’t take home any awards, but just getting onto that stage is a huge win. Our category was huge, with 17 other finalists,” David Tasker said.
Across three categories – New Zealand, avant-garde and neon – 100 designers from 17 countries put in 86 entries.
The siblings are part of four generations living in Te Awamutu and the whole family pitched in. They learned their fate at the TSB Arena, Wellington last Friday.
David has been creating garments for six years, but this was the first project alongside Sarah.
Their garment, titled A Sight for Sore Eyes, was in the neon category.
“This piece is inspired by home – Te Awamutu, family, the Rainbow Community and of course neon lights,” David said.
“We have the Waikato River running down the front of the garment in pink stones.
“Inside the cape, I embroidered roses with yarn and LEDs, to give the vibe of neon lights with a nod to Te Awamutu, our hometown, and the Rose Town of New Zealand.”

David and Sarah Tasker on the World of WearableArt stage. Photo: World of WearableArt