HONG KONG – The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running until 5 September. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the event is free to both industry buyers and the public. This year’s edition has attracted a record-breaking 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends and creative designs.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, who emphasized the role of CENTRESTAGE in leveraging Hong Kong’s status as an international business hub. “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. The event also serves to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s fashion and creative hub.
A major highlight is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone focusing on streetwear labels launched by local celebrities and KOLs. 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. The pavilion features over 30 limited-edition products and will host a “Hype2 Runway Show” on 4 September with special celebrity appearances.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlights KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. Wan has designed stage outfits for artists like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, and Panther Chan, and has showcased his work at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision. The show presented over 30 new looks from his collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY,” livestreamed across multiple platforms. On 4 September, Wan will join Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, for a sharing session.
Korea is serving as this year’s Featured Partner, with the largest-ever Korean pavilion organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The pavilion includes 12 Seoul designer brands and the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, showcasing 10 local brands. A thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” will be held on 4 September, featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
The exhibition also features new participating countries such as Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. The Austrian pavilion, coordinated by the Austrian Trade Commission, includes brands like Woody and My Magpie. The Canadian pavilion highlights female-founded brands Iris Setlakwe and Devlyn Van Loon. The Thai pavilion returns with 14 brands, including KANZ BY THAITOR.
New this year is a Perfume zone, featuring over 20 fragrance brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam making their Hong Kong retail debut. The zone includes a Scent Station for visitors to sample fragrances. Other zones include Accessories, Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion, covering a wide range of styles and sustainable practices.
Over 40 events are scheduled, including more than 30 runway shows, a historic high. The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show on 3 September will present collections inspired by “Hong Kong Dopamine” from local brands 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, and Z I D I. FASHIONALLY will also host presentations featuring emerging designers.
The “Meet the Designer” session will feature Korean designer Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH. Additionally, organizations like AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will host seminars on sustainable fashion and technology. Industry competitions, including the Redress Design Award 2026 and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2026, will take place, with the YDC finale on 5 September.
The exhibition offers interactive zones such as the Fashion Sound Lab, where participants can record their voice and create vinyl-inspired designs, and the SNAPIO Stand for capturing fashion moments. The FIGARO Café provides a space for cultural exchange.
Buyers from major retailers like B1OCK, Dongliang, 10 Corso Como, Muninsa, Dover Street Market London, and Selfridges have been invited to source at the event. CENTRESTAGE is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a comprehensive shopping experience.
