Asia’s premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing a record number of international exhibitors and unveiling new initiatives aimed at cementing Hong Kong’s status as a fashion capital. The four-day event, which runs until September 5, is open free to both industry buyers and the public, featuring over 40 events including more than 30 runway shows.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), this 11th edition has attracted some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, a record convergence. The lineup includes renowned labels, emerging designers, and industry elites, showcasing global fashion trends. “CENTRESTAGE gathers a constellation of global fashion brands and design luminaries,” said Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC. “We aim to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business hub and a superconnector.”
A significant addition this year is the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone spotlighting streetwear brands led by local celebrities and KOLs. With streetwear experiencing rapid growth driven by Gen Z consumers, the pavilion features labels such as Rosita Kwok’s Claro, Vincent Wong’s OGIS, Kelvin Kwan’s PICK AND MATCH, a collaboration between Jaime Cheung and Ariel Leung, and Pakho Chau’s XPX. Some 30 limited-edition products are launched, and a Hype2 Runway Show is set for September 4.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, highlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The studio’s collaborative roster includes artists like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. Wan designs “stage armour” for artists at events like the Grammy Awards and Eurovision. The show presented over 30 new looks from the collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY” and was livestreamed across platforms.
Korea is serving as CENTRESTAGE’s Featured Partner for the first time, with the largest-ever pavilion organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong. The pavilion brings 12 renowned Seoul designer brands and 10 from the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio. A thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” is scheduled for September 4, featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
Other new participants include Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. The Austrian pavilion, coordinated by the Austrian Trade Commission, features brands like Woody and My Magpie, and staged a mini parade on opening day. The Canadian pavilion led by the Consulate General of Canada gathers high-end female-founded brands, while the Thai pavilion returns with 14 brands.
This year, a new Perfume zone debuts with over 20 brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam making their Hong Kong retail debut. The fair also features a Scent Station for visitors to sample fragrances. Other zones include Accessories, Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion, which highlights sustainability with local brand JESSE LEE presenting 3D-printed garments from upcycled fabrics.
Industry exchange is a key component, with sessions like “Meet the Designer” featuring Korean designer Rok Hwang, and seminars by AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council discussing sustainable fashion and technology. The Redress Design Award 2026 final and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2026 will also take place, with the public invited to vote online for the “My Favourite Collection” award at this link.
The event also includes interactive zones like the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand, and is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a one-stop experience for fashion and timepieces. For more information, visit the CENTRESTAGE official page.
