The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, officially kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running through September 5. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the event is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public. This year's edition features a record-breaking convergence of approximately 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends and creative ingenuity.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the event's role in leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international business hub and 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,” she said, adding that this fosters two-way collaboration and consolidates Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion and creative hub.
A major highlight is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone spotlighting streetwear labels led by local celebrities and key opinion leaders (KOLs). Exhibitors include Rosita Kwok's Claro, Vincent Wong's OGIS, Kelvin Kwan's PICK AND MATCH, a collaboration between Jaime Cheung and Ariel Leung under ROSEMA.ESE X, and Pakho Chau's XPX. The pavilion launched around 30 limited-edition and debut products, with a special “Hype2 Runway Show” scheduled for September 4.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The studio has designed stage outfits for artists performing at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision. Over 30 new looks from the collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY” debuted on the runway, and the show was livestreamed across multiple platforms. Kit Wan will also engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, on September 4.
Expanding its global footprint, CENTRESTAGE welcomes first-time participants from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. Notably, Korea joins as the Featured Partner, with the largest-ever Korean pavilion organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The pavilion features 12 Seoul designer brands and the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, and will host a thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
The exhibition also introduces a new Perfume zone, with over 20 fragrance brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam making their Hong Kong retail debut. Other thematic zones include Accessories, Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion, the latter featuring local brand JESSE LEE's 3D-printed garments from upcycled fabrics. Select exhibitors will offer retail sales, allowing the public to purchase designer pieces on the spot.
Over 40 events, including a record-breaking more than 30 runway shows, are scheduled. A key highlight is the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show on September 3, inspired by “Hong Kong Dopamine,” presenting collections from local brands 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, and Z I D I. The FASHIONALLY platform will also host presentations and shows for emerging designers.
Industry exchange is a core component, with sessions like “Meet the Designer” featuring Korean designer Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH. Organizations such as AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will host seminars on sustainable fashion and fashion technology. The fair also includes competitions like the Redress Design Award 2026 and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026, the latter taking place on September 5.
Interactive zones offer immersive experiences, including the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO photo stand. The French Cultural Salon at FIGARO Café provides a space for in-depth exchanges. The HKTDC has invited international buyers from major retailers such as B1OCK, Dongliang, 10 Corso Como, Muninsa, Dover Street Market London, and Selfridges.
CENTRESTAGE runs concurrently with the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a one-stop shopping experience for fashion and luxury timepieces. Attendees can also participate in the CENTRESTAGE X Watch & Clock Lucky Draw. This year's event reinforces Hong Kong's status as Asia's fashion capital, driving business opportunities and cultural exchange in the industry.
