Asia's premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, officially kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), marking the start of a four-day showcase that runs until 5 September. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the 11th edition has attracted a record-breaking convergence of some 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions. The event is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, inviting all to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Asia's fashion capital.
This year's CENTRESTAGE features a rich programme of over 40 captivating events, including an unprecedented lineup of more than 30 runway shows. A key highlight is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone spotlighting fashion labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs. Exhibitors include Rosita Kwok's Claro, Vincent Wong's OGIS, Kelvin Kwan's PICK AND MATCH, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung (a collaboration between Jaime Cheung and Ariel Leung), and Pakho Chau's XPX. During the fair, some 30 limited-edition and debut products were launched, and the "Hype2 Runway Show" will take centre stage on 4 September, bringing together over 10 streetwear brands with special celebrity guest appearances.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, put the spotlight on KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design and visual arts studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist Kit Wan. The studio's collaborative roster includes Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. Over 30 brand-new looks from the collection "MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY" made their debut on the runway, with select pieces displayed at the fairground. The show was livestreamed across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.
Korea joins as CENTRESTAGE's Featured Partner for the first time, with its largest-ever pavilion. Jointly organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, the pavilion brings 12 renowned Seoul designer brands, including DOUCAN, ELNORE, and RE RH'EE, alongside the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, which presents 10 prominent local brands. The pavilion will host a thematic fashion show, "SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable," on 4 September, featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
The exhibition also features seven thematic zones covering various fashion sectors, including a newly added "Perfume" zone with over 20 brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam making their Hong Kong retail debut. The "Accessories" zone has been expanded, and other zones include "Craftsmanship," "Contemporary," "Urban," "Athleisure," and "Circular Fashion." Select exhibitors will offer retail sales, allowing the public to purchase designer pieces on the spot.
Beyond the runway shows, CENTRESTAGE serves as a crucial platform for industry exchange. The "Meet the Designer" session invites renowned Korean designer Rok Hwang to share his experiences, and organizations such as AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will host seminars on sustainable fashion and technology. The grand finale, the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026, will be held on 5 September, unearthing the next generation of fashion luminaries.
The event also features various interactive zones, including the Fashion Sound Lab, SNAPIO Stand, and the French Cultural Salon at FIGARO Café. The HKTDC continues to invite buyers from around the world, including major retailers such as B1OCK and Dongliang from the Chinese Mainland, Italy's 10 Corso Como, Korea's Muninsa, and the United Kingdom's Dover Street Market London and Selfridges. CENTRESTAGE is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a one-stop shopping experience for fashion apparel and luxury timepieces.
With its record-breaking participation and diverse programme, CENTRESTAGE reinforces Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion and creative hub, facilitating two-way collaboration between local and international brands.
