The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened the doors to CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, with a dazzling showcase that blended artistic creation with futuristic aesthetics. The opening gala, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, took center stage at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 2 September 2026, presenting a runway that pulsated with sci-fi vibes against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. The event, which runs from 2 to 5 September, is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest.
This year's CENTRESTAGE ELITES spotlighted 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 collaborated with a formidable roster of local artists, including Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. Kit Wan's designs have graced international stages, such as the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and Eurovision in the United Kingdom, bringing Hong Kong design to a global audience. Over 30 brand-new looks made their debut on the runway, with select pieces on display at the fairground throughout the event (Booth No.: 3D-D06).
The opening gala was attended by Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, who served as the Guest of Honour. A constellation of celebrities, artists, and fashion heavyweights gathered to support the event, which also featured an After Party with live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers. A dedicated exhibition zone showcased 7 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.
CENTRESTAGE is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge for all four days, featuring over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. The event aims to showcase the boundless charm of Asia's fashion capital to local, Chinese Mainland, and overseas visitors. 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 significance of this event extends beyond the runway. It underscores Hong Kong's position as a global fashion hub and a centre for cultural exchange. According to the HKTDC, the event is part of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which was announced in the 2023 Policy Address 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 from six industry organisations. This year, for the first time, it is combined with CENTRESTAGE to generate stronger synergies and attract fashion design industry players from around the world.
The organisers arranged to livestream the ELITES performance across multiple official pages and online platforms, allowing a global audience to witness the spectacle. For those interested in the event's highlights, the CENTRESTAGE website offers a livestream replay at https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en/livestream. More information about the event can be found on the official CENTRESTAGE page at https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en. The HKTDC's newsroom is available at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en.
The event highlights the collaborative efforts of the HKTDC and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government, which sponsored the event. CCIDA, established in June 2024, is dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for the arts, culture, and creative sectors, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as Asia's creative capital. As the fair continues until 5 September, attendees can expect a kaleidoscope of fashion, creativity, and innovation, cementing Hong Kong's role as a prime destination for mega cultural and creative events.
