The Wearable Art Exhibition (WAE) hold during New York Fashion Week on February 2025 was a bold reimagining of fashion as an art form, bringing together sustainable fashion, art, creativity, and performance in an unforgettable showcase. Hosted at the Art Gotham Gallery in Manhattan’s East Village, the event transformed the space into a hub of avantgarde design, featuring sustainable fashion pieces, art objects, live music, and performance acts that intertwined the lines between clothing and artistic expression.
A key aspect of WAE was its collaborative spirit, with contributions from visionaries across different creative disciplines. Turtlehorn, represented by designer María Voth Velasco, was among the driving forces behind the event, alongside Creative Director Armon Hayes, Fioritura Collective led by Lea Szabo, and PAKINCHINO, founder of The Heart of Houston. Each brought a distinct perspective, creating an immersive experience that challenged conventional fashion norms and pushed forward a dialogue on art and fashion and sustainability and innovation.
This first edition of WAE was just the beginning—an invitation to rethink fashion as a powerful medium for storytelling and change. Stay tuned for more about Turtlehorn’s journey in wearable art and sustainability! There is definitely more to come.
For a deeper dive, check out the full 360 Magazine article.
Turtlehorn's contribution to WAE
Photography: Anthony Zaccardi
Turtlehorn’s participation in the Wearable Art Exhibition at NYFW was more than a showcase—it was a statement. By presenting fashion in an unconventional gallery setting, Turtlehorn reinforced its commitment to wearable art, sustainability, and performance as a form of storytelling.
A highlight of our presentation was the closing act, created in collaboration with NYC-based tailor and artist Caroline from Big Sista Studio. As the final two models stepped onto the runway, they weren’t adorned in our signature designs but instead in thrifted pieces sourced from Nicksaan Boutique in Utrecht, The Netherlands—hinting at an exciting new partnership to be revealed in our next blog post.
Then, the unexpected happened. The models engaged in a contemporary dance performance, weaving movement into the space. In real-time, Caroline spray-painted their garments, transforming them into living pieces of wearable art. This act not only emphasized the beauty of imperfection and transformation but also underscored Turtlehorn’s philosophy: fashion is not static—it evolves, adapts, and breathes.
Watch full performance here.
Photography: Josh Coronel
Redefining Fashion Through Wearable Art
The Wearable Art Exhibition at NYFW set a new standard for the intersection of fashion, art, and sustainability. By placing fashion in a gallery setting, WAE challenged traditional norms, proving that garments can be conceptual, thought-provoking, and worthy of exhibition alongside contemporary art.
This first edition of the Wearable Art Expo marked a major milestone for Turtlehorn and their collaborators—not just in its success, but in its potential to shape a niche market that values fashion as a form of artistic expression. The event demonstrated how fashion can exist beyond conventional retail and runway formats, positioning garments as pieces that can be displayed, studied, and appreciated in galleries or even museums.
WAE was not just about presenting fashion but about engaging with it in a more immersive and participatory way. The event featured customization workshops by NYC-based Big Sista Studio, where visitors could interact directly with wearable art by altering and personalizing pieces in real-time. Additionally, curated vendors showcased unique designs that added layers of meaning and value to each outfit and style combinations, reinforcing the idea that fashion is an evolving collaboration between designers, artists, and the audience itself.
This is just the beginning of a movement that challenges how we perceive and interact with fashion. As Turtlehorn continues to explore the intersection of sustainability, art, and design, we look forward to bringing more immersive experiences that redefine the possibilities of wearable art. Stay tuned for our upcoming projects and collaborations!
