The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, concluded successfully today, setting a new attendance record with over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the four-day fair also saw significant growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia.
The event, which serves as a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, attracted around 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, a record high. Several internationally renowned brands participated in Hong Kong for the first time, including Korea's DOUCAN and holynumber7, Austria's Woody, and Australia's VICETA WANG.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the fair's role in helping brands expand internationally. "The dynamic interactions between exhibitors and buyers demonstrated that the fair successfully fostered cross-sector exchanges among fashion, art, cultural creativity, and lifestyle industries," she said. "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."
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. Fashion design was identified as the most popular product category by 58% of respondents. Notably, 73% agreed that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will become increasingly prevalent, underscoring the market potential of streetwear and cross-sector collaboration.
Responding to the rapid development of streetwear, CENTRESTAGE introduced the new Hype² pavilion, spotlighting labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, noted that the fair helped attract interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany. Local designer Janko Lam's collaboration with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung also drew attention, reflecting the trend of cross-sector partnerships.
Korea debuted as the "Featured Partner," with pavilions organized by KOTRA and others. Wilfred Chung of KOTRA Hong Kong commended the fair's business-matching environment, noting that some brands had already secured deals with Hong Kong buyers. Antonio Shin, founder of a Korean fashion brand, connected with buyers from multiple countries, while first-time exhibitor Asparagus expects initial orders of US$6,000 to US$7,000.
Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE participated for the first time. Jennifer Feigll, Austrian Trade Commissioner, led a national 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 noted that buyer meetings increased from 120 to 180, with strong interest from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, and Korea.
International buyers from leading department stores also attended. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans of Selfridges, visiting for the first time, highlighted the fair's diverse portfolio and identified two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, for potential wholesale partnerships. Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette expressed interest in Australia's VICETA WANG and Chinese Mainland brand WANZZZ. Richie Chan of Chengdu's Triple Major placed three orders on the spot, including Danish brand Henrik Vibskov and Thai brand Collector Project.
The fair featured seven themed zones, including a new Perfume zone with over 20 brands making their Hong Kong debut. Moon Li of Artis Cultural Association praised the fair's exposure, expecting on-site retail sales to reach HK$100,000. Over 40 events were held, including more than 30 fashion shows, a record high. The opening show CENTRESTAGE ELITES featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, while the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented collections by four local labels under the theme "Hong Kong Dopamine."
Other events included FASHIONALLY presentations, the Sparkle Charity Foundation's young designer challenge, and the Redress Design Award finale, which was won by German designer Jon Liesenfeld. The fair also hosted business matching sessions to facilitate further collaborations.
As CENTRESTAGE continues to grow, it underscores Hong Kong's unique strengths as Asia's fashion hub and an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, creating new business opportunities for industry players.
