HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) kicked off CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, with a star-studded opening gala, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featuring KIT WAN STUDIOS. The event, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 2 to 5 September 2026, is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest. This year's CENTRESTAGE ELITES showcased a runway that blended artistic creation with sci-fi aesthetics, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
The grand opening fashion show 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 has an impressive roster of local artist collaborations, including Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. Kit Wan's work has taken Hong Kong design to the global stage, designing 'stage armour' for artists at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and Eurovision in the United Kingdom. During the event, over 30 brand-new looks made their debut on the runway, with select pieces displayed at the fairground throughout the fair (Booth No.: 3D-D06).
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, attended as the Guest of Honour, alongside a constellation of celebrities, artists, and fashion heavyweights. The evening also featured a dedicated exhibition zone showcasing seven iconic stage costumes previously designed by KIT WAN STUDIOS for artists like Hins Cheung and Miriam Yeung, highlighting the studio's deep ties with Hong Kong's music scene. The After Party featured live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers.
CENTRESTAGE is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge for four consecutive days, offering over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. On Friday (4 September), Kit Wan will personally attend the fair for a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to share insights on creative inspiration and expanding his brand into overseas markets. The event was livestreamed across multiple official platforms, and the full performance can be viewed on the CENTRESTAGE website.
This event underscores Hong Kong's position as a creative and cultural hub. According to the HKTDC, CENTRESTAGE is a key component of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which aims to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, themed "Rhythm of the Heart," runs from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks in Hong Kong, bringing together eight flagship programmes and, for the first time, combining with CENTRESTAGE to generate stronger synergies. This initiative is part of the HKSAR Government's broader strategy, as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, to bolster Hong Kong's fashion and textile design brands and position the city as a prime destination for mega cultural and creative events.
The event also highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in fashion, technology, and the arts. By showcasing a studio known for its innovative and futuristic designs, CENTRESTAGE is not only promoting local talent but also reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. For industry leaders, this signals opportunities for cross-sector partnerships and business development in the fashion and creative industries. The HKTDC's role in organizing such events, as outlined on its CENTRESTAGE page, demonstrates the city's commitment to supporting SMEs and fostering innovation in the sector.
As the fair continues through 5 September, attendees can expect a kaleidoscope of fashion events that celebrate both local and international design. The inclusion of live streams and digital platforms ensures that the reach of these events extends far beyond Hong Kong, potentially influencing global fashion trends and opening new markets for designers like Kit Wan.
