The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running until 5 September. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), this year's event has attracted a record-breaking 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions, a testament to its growing influence. The fair is free and open to both industry buyers and the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience the latest in fashion and creativity.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the strategic importance of the event: “CENTRESTAGE gathers a constellation of global fashion brands and design luminaries. Through this platform, we aim to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business hub and a superconnector. We enable Hong Kong brands to connect with overseas buyers, while simultaneously attracting international labels to use Hong Kong as a springboard into Asia, fostering two-way collaboration and creating more business opportunities.”
One of the key highlights this year is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone spotlighting fashion labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs, including Rosita Kwok’s Claro, Vincent Wong’s OGIS, Kelvin Kwan’s PICK AND MATCH, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung, and Pakho Chau’s XPX. The pavilion launched some 30 limited-edition products, and a special “Hype2 Runway Show” on 4 September will feature over 10 streetwear brands with celebrity guest appearances.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, showcased KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. Known for designing “stage armour” for artists at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, Wan presented over 30 new looks from his collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY,” which was livestreamed across multiple platforms. On 4 September, he will engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion.
Korea joins as the Featured Partner with its largest-ever pavilion, organized with KOTRA and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The pavilion brings 12 renowned Seoul designer brands and 10 from the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, showcasing the latest Korean styles. A thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” will feature former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
The exhibition also debuts a new Perfume Zone, gathering over 20 fragrance brands from around the world, many making their Hong Kong retail debut. The fair features seven thematic zones, including expanded Accessories and Craftsmanship zones, and a Circular Fashion zone championing sustainability, with local brand JESSE LEE presenting 3D-printed garments from upcycled fabrics.
Over 40 events are scheduled, including a record-breaking more than 30 runway shows. Key highlights include the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show on 3 September, inspired by “Hong Kong Dopamine,” and FASHIONALLY presentations supporting young local designers. The fair also serves as a platform for industry exchange, with sessions featuring renowned Korean designer Rok Hwang and seminars on sustainable fashion by organizations like AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council.
The event will culminate in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026 on 5 September, where 10 finalists will compete for four major awards. The public can vote online for the “My Favourite Collection” award via the voting link.
Interactive zones such as the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand offer immersive experiences, while the FIGARO Café provides a space for cultural exchange. CENTRESTAGE is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering attendees a one-stop shopping experience. With its record participation and diverse programming, CENTRESTAGE reinforces Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion capital and a key player in the global fashion industry.
