The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest with CENTRESTAGE ELITES, a star-studded fashion show held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 2 September 2026. The event, which runs through 5 September, highlights Hong Kong's position as Asia's premier fashion hub. This year's CENTRESTAGE ELITES spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design and visual arts studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The show featured over 30 brand-new looks that blended futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, marking a significant moment for local design talent on an international stage.
The choice of KIT WAN STUDIOS underscores the growing influence of Hong Kong designers in global fashion and entertainment. Kit Wan has designed “stage armour” for artists at prestigious events such as the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and the Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom, bringing Hong Kong's creative flair to worldwide audiences. The studio's collaborative roster includes prominent Hong Kong artists like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan, demonstrating deep ties with the local music scene. At the gala, seven iconic stage costumes previously created for these artists were displayed in a dedicated exhibition zone, offering attendees a glimpse into the intersection of fashion and performance art.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, attended as the Guest of Honour, joined by a constellation of celebrities, artists, and industry leaders. The after-party featured live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model-musician Kim Peers, further enriching the event's cultural appeal. The opening gala was livestreamed across multiple official platforms, allowing global audiences to witness the spectacle. Replays are available on the CENTRESTAGE website and the CENTRESTAGE Instagram, as well as the HKTDC Exhibition Channel Facebook page and HKTDC YouTube Channel.
Beyond the runway, CENTRESTAGE is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge for four days, featuring over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. On 4 September, Kit Wan will engage in a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to discuss his creative inspiration and his journey in expanding his brand into overseas markets. This conversation is expected to provide valuable insights for emerging designers and industry observers, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a melting pot of cultural and creative exchange.
The significance of this event extends beyond fashion. It is a flagship programme of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, an initiative announced by the Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. By consolidating various fashion-related events and introducing innovative activities, Hong Kong Fashion Fest aims to promote the city's fashion and textile design brands and boost its status as a prime destination for mega cultural and creative events. The third edition, themed “Rhythm of the Heart”, runs from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks across Hong Kong, bringing together eight flagship programmes organised by six industry organisations, including CENTRESTAGE for the first time.
The event also underscores the collaborative support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government, which sponsored the event. CCIDA, established in June 2024, is dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for the arts, culture, and creative sectors, with strategic focuses on nurturing talent, exploring markets, and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration. This backing reflects a broader government commitment to positioning Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
As CENTRESTAGE continues to draw local, mainland Chinese, and overseas visitors, the event serves as a testament to Hong Kong's resilience and creativity. By showcasing innovative designs like those from KIT WAN STUDIOS, the city reinforces its reputation as a dynamic hub where tradition and futurism coexist, offering a glimpse into the future of global fashion.
