The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, concluded successfully today, drawing over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions—a new attendance record. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the four-day fair also saw notable growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia. This year, CENTRESTAGE and the concurrent Salon de Time were open to the public free of charge, attracting over 20,000 public visitors. The event underscored Hong Kong's unique strengths as Asia's fashion hub and an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the fair's role in helping brands expand internationally. “For many years, CENTRESTAGE has been committed to assisting fashion brands and designers in expanding into international markets. Entering its 11th edition this year, the fair brought together some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, setting a record high,” she said. The fair featured first-time participants from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE, along with international names like DOUCAN and holynumber7 from Korea, Woody from Austria, and VICETA WANG from Australia.
Top-tier retail buyers, including Dover Street Market London, Selfridges, 10 Corso Como, and Musinsa, attended for sourcing and business matching. The fair facilitated dynamic interactions, fostering cross-sector exchanges among fashion, art, cultural creativity, and lifestyle industries. “More than a showcase of design creativity, CENTRESTAGE serves as a vital platform that helps brands enhance visibility, expand business opportunities, and reach international markets,” Lam added.
An on-site survey of over 350 exhibitors and buyers revealed optimistic sentiment, with 96% expecting sales to remain steady or grow in the next 12 to 24 months. Streetwear and cross-sector collaboration emerged as key trends, with 73% agreeing that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will become more prevalent. In response, CENTRESTAGE introduced the new Hype² pavilion, featuring labels from local celebrities and KOLs. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, said, “We attracted interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany, laying a foundation for future market expansion.”
Cross-sector collaborations were also prominent. Local designer Janko Lam's brand Classics Anew collaborated with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung on the “Quartet” collection. Ronald Chan of Devil Claw noted the fair's workshops provided practical guidance, leading to on-site retail sales and new buyer interest from France and Taiwan.
Korea debuted as the “Featured Partner,” with 12 renowned brands from Seoul and 10 from Gyeonggi Province. Wilfred Chung of KOTRA praised the fair's business-matching environment, noting over 400 visits on opening day and deals with Hong Kong buyers. Korean brands like Antonio Shin and Asparagus secured international connections, with Asparagus expecting initial orders of US$6,000 to US$7,000.
The fair also attracted international delegations. Jennifer Feigll, Austrian Trade Commissioner, led a pavilion in the Circular Fashion zone, saying, “The fair is an excellent starting point for entering Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the wider Asian market.” Marianne Perkovic of the Australian Fashion Council saw buyer meetings increase from 120 to 180, with strong interest from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, and Korea.
Buyers from leading department stores shared positive feedback. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans of Selfridges identified two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, for potential wholesale partnerships. Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette expressed interest in VICETA WANG and WANZZZ. Richie Chan of Triple Major placed three orders on-site and connected with Austrian fabric supplier Lenzing.
The fair featured over 40 events, including a record-breaking 30 fashion shows. The opening CENTRESTAGE ELITES showcased KIT WAN STUDIOS, while the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented collections themed “Hong Kong Dopamine.” The Redress Design Award finale was also held, with Germany's Jon Liesenfeld taking first prize.
The new Perfume zone attracted strong interest, with over 20 brands debuting in Hong Kong. Moon Li of Artis Cultural Association expected on-site retail sales to reach HK$100,000, and hoped the zone would evolve into Hong Kong's flagship fragrance event.
As CENTRESTAGE concludes, its record attendance and diverse participation underscore its importance as a superconnector for the global fashion industry, driving business opportunities and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading fashion hub.
