The 10th anniversary edition of CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, concluded as the largest and most international iteration in the event's history. The four-day fashion fair attracted over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions, with significant growth in buyer participation from the United Kingdom, Mainland China, India, and Indonesia, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and center for East-West cultural exchange.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the event's evolution over the past decade into an essential trade platform for local, Asian, and international fashion brands. This year's record-breaking edition brought together globally renowned design brands participating for the first time, including Saul Nash from the UK, HENRIK VIBSKOV from Denmark, and THE NERDYS from Japan. The event successfully attracted prominent local and overseas buyers, including leading retailers and procurement groups such as Machine-A from the UK, Sugar Srl from Italy, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores from Japan, Zalora from Indonesia, and ESSX. from the United States.
A comprehensive survey conducted during the fair revealed significant industry optimism, with 56% of respondents expecting sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 40% anticipate sales will remain unchanged. Respondents identified key challenges including fluctuations in the global economy (44%) and keen competition within the industry (40%). Regarding opportunities, 38% cited rising demand from emerging markets as their greatest potential, while 36% identified fashion accessories as having the greatest growth potential among fashion product categories.
The United Kingdom joined as Partner Country for the first time, presenting 16 highly creative fashion brands and emerging designers through its pavilion that highlighted diverse styles and sustainable concepts. The UK collaboration with the JCA-London Fashion Academy, founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE, showcased works by a new generation of designers. This year's CENTRESTAGE featured six themed zones, including the newly launched Accessories zone responding to market demand for functional yet stylish accessory ranges.
Cross-cultural craftsmanship emerged as a significant design trend, with internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei presenting her entirely hand-crafted collection "Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance" and brands from diverse cultural backgrounds showcasing fashion works blending traditional techniques such as embroidery, weaving, and tie-dyeing. Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited showcased designs utilizing Gambier Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage fabric, while other highlights included Hong Kong brand Isabelle.C incorporating Kesi silk tapestry weaving, Thai brand Lava Laweng showcasing Thai ethnic culture and weaving craftsmanship, and Macao brand Yu Kwa founded by the fifth-generation inheritor of gold-embroidered skirt jacket production.
International buyers praised the fair's global brand appeal and diverse product offerings, with many expressing strong interest in the distinctive creativity of Hong Kong designers. Stavros Karelis, Founder and Buying Director at UK-based concept store Machine-A, noted that CENTRESTAGE provides international buyers with a valuable gateway to explore Asia's vibrant and diverse market, allocating specific budget to acquire standout designs discovered at the fair. The event featured approximately 50 fashion shows and events, including CENTRESTAGE ELITES at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where Guo Pei unveiled her collection featuring more than 30 handcrafted masterpieces. Additional information about the event can be found at CENTRESTAGE and Fashion Hong Kong.
