Hong Kong's flagship fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running through September 5. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the 11th edition marks a record convergence of around 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions. The event is free to industry buyers and the public, featuring over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows—an unprecedented lineup that highlights its growing international influence.
The opening comes as part of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which runs from September 1 to 14. This year's CENTRESTAGE introduces the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone for streetwear brands led by local celebrities and KOLs, responding to the surge in streetwear popularity among Gen Z consumers. Exhibitors include Rosita Kwok's Claro, Vincent Wong's OGIS, Kelvin Kwan's PICK AND MATCH, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung, and Pakho Chau's XPX. Around 30 limited-edition products are launched at the fair, and a Hype2 Runway Show on September 4 will feature over 10 streetwear brands with celebrity appearances.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the event's role in leveraging Hong Kong's position as 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.”
The grand opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. Known for designing stage outfits for artists like Miriam Yeung and Hins Cheung, Wan presented over 30 new looks from his collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY.” The show was livestreamed globally, and Wan will later engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, on September 4.
Korea joins as the Featured Partner for the first time, with the largest-ever Korean pavilion organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. It brings 12 Seoul designer brands and the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, featuring 10 local brands. A thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” will be held on September 4, with former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
New to the exhibition are pavilions from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. The Austrian pavilion, coordinated by the Austrian Trade Commission, features seven brands, including Woody and My Magpie. Canada's pavilion highlights female-founded labels like Iris Setlakwe and Devlyn Van Loon, while Thailand returns with 14 brands.
This year also debuts a Perfume zone with over 20 fragrance brands, many making their Hong Kong debut. The fair's seven thematic zones include Accessories, Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion, the latter featuring local brand JESSE LEE with 3D-printed upcycled garments.
Beyond the runway, CENTRESTAGE serves as a platform for industry dialogue. Renowned Korean designer Rok Hwang will share insights in a “Meet the Designer” session. Seminars by AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will explore sustainable fashion and technology. Competitions like the Redress Design Award 2026 and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026 will take place, with YDC finals on September 5.
Interactive zones, including the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand, offer immersive experiences. The HKTDC has invited international buyers from retailers such as B1OCK, 10 Corso Como, and Selfridges to source at the event, which runs concurrently with the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE.
As Asia's fashion capital, Hong Kong continues to bolster its reputation through such mega events, drawing global attention and fostering cross-cultural exchange in fashion.
