The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), concluded successfully today, attracting over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions—a new attendance record. The four-day fair, held in conjunction with Salon de Time, also opened its doors to the public for free, drawing over 20,000 public visitors. This surge in attendance underscores the growing global interest in Asian fashion and the event's role in fostering cross-sector exchange between fashion, art, and lifestyle industries.
The fair showcased approximately 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, a record high, including first-time participants from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates. Notable international brands like DOUCAN and holynumber7 from Korea, Woody from Austria, and VICETA WANG from Australia made their Hong Kong debut. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the fair's success in connecting brands with top-tier international buyers, such as Dover Street Market London and Selfridges from the UK, 10 Corso Como from Italy, and Musinsa from Korea, facilitating significant business opportunities.
A survey conducted on-site revealed optimistic industry sentiment, with 96% of respondents expecting steady or growing sales in the next 12 to 24 months. Fashion design remains the most popular category, while streetwear and cross-sector collaborations are emerging as key trends, with 73% agreeing that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will increase. In response, CENTRESTAGE introduced the Hype² pavilion, spotlighting celebrity and KOL-led brands. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, noted the fair's role in attracting buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany, and gathering valuable feedback.
Cross-sector collaborations were also prominent, such as local designer Janko Lam's 'Classics Anew' partnering with ink painter Kan Tai-keung. The fair also offered pre-fair workshops, with participants like Ronald Chan of Devil Claw praising the practical guidance that helped secure new buyers from France and Taiwan. Korea served as the 'Featured Partner' for the first time, with pavilions organized by KOTRA and others, facilitating deals with Hong Kong retailers. Antonio Shin, a Korean designer, successfully connected with buyers from multiple countries, while first-time exhibitor Asparagus expects initial orders of US$6,000 to US$7,000.
New national pavilions, such as Austria's in the Circular Fashion zone, highlighted sustainable brands, with Consul Jennifer Feigll noting strong buyer interest. Australian Fashion Council's Marianne Perkovic reported an increase in buyer meetings from 120 to 180, with concrete partnerships emerging. International buyers like Sophie Rose Davis-Evans from Selfridges praised the fair's diverse portfolio, identifying Hong Kong labels peces and MURFI LAU for potential wholesale partnerships. Tifandy Okto from Galeries Lafayette expressed interest in Australian and Chinese Mainland brands for their retail outlets.
The fair featured over 40 events, including more than 30 fashion shows, a record high. Highlights included CENTRESTAGE ELITES showcasing KIT WAN STUDIOS' debut collection and the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show themed 'Hong Kong Dopamine'. FASHIONALLY.COM presentations and the Redress Design Award finale also took place. The Perfume zone, new this year, attracted over 20 brands making their Hong Kong debut, with on-site retail sales expected to reach HK$100,000. The event's success reinforces Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub, driving innovation and international business connections.
