Hong Kong’s annual fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), drawing a record-breaking convergence of about 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions. The four-day event, which runs until 5 September, is 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 Government. It is free and open to both industry buyers and the public, offering a chance to explore the latest trends and creative expressions.
The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE features over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows, the highest number in its history. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the event's role in leveraging Hong Kong's unique position as a superconnector. “Through this platform, we aim to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business hub and a 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, fostering two-way collaboration and creating more business opportunities,” she said.
A major highlight is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone for streetwear labels spearheaded by local celebrities and key opinion leaders (KOLs). With streetwear booming among Gen Z consumers who value self-expression, the pavilion showcases collections from Rosita Kwok’s Claro, Vincent Wong’s OGIS, Kelvin Kwan’s PICK AND MATCH, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung, and Pakho Chau’s XPX. About 30 limited-edition and debut products are being launched during the fair. A special Hype2 Runway Show is scheduled for 4 September, featuring over 10 streetwear brands and celebrity appearances.
The opening night’s CENTRESTAGE ELITES show spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. Known for designing “stage armour” for artists at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, Wan presented over 30 brand-new looks from his collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY.” The show was livestreamed across multiple platforms. On 4 September, Wan will engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion.
Korea is serving as the 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 features 12 renowned Seoul designer brands, including DOUCAN, ELNORE, and RE RH'EE, along with the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio presenting 10 brands like ARTS DE BASE and PHENOMENONSEEPER. A thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” will take place on 4 September, featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
New to CENTRESTAGE this year are exhibitors from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. Austria’s pavilion, coordinated by the Austrian Trade Commission, brings brands like Woody and My Magpie. Canada’s pavilion, led by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao, features female-founded labels such as Iris Setlakwe and Devlyn Van Loon. Thailand’s pavilion returns with 14 brands, including KANZ BY THAITOR.
The fair also introduces a Perfume zone, gathering over 20 fragrance brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, many making their Hong Kong retail debut. Additionally, the Accessories zone has been expanded, and other zones include Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion. Notable exhibitors include local label 8FIVE2 by Julius Brian Siswojo of the hip hop group 24herbs, and Petrolhead by Louis Cheung and Yorki Fan. Both made appearances on opening day.
Beyond exhibitions, CENTRESTAGE serves as a platform for industry exchange. The “Meet the Designer” session will feature Korean designer Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH. Seminars by organizations like AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will explore sustainable fashion and fashion technology. The Redress Design Award 2026, the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition, will also hold its grand final.
The event culminates on 5 September with the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2026, where 10 finalists will compete for awards including Champion and My Favourite Collection. The public can vote online for the latter and win prizes.
Interactive zones such as the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand offer immersive experiences. The fair is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, providing a one-stop shopping experience. Major international retailers, including Italy’s 10 Corso Como, Korea’s Muninsa, and the UK’s Dover Street Market London, are sourcing at the event.
With its record participation and new initiatives, CENTRESTAGE reinforces Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s fashion capital, fostering global connections and showcasing the latest in style and sustainability.
