The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government, concluded successfully on September 6, 2026. The four-day fair attracted over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions, setting a new attendance record. Notably, buyer numbers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia recorded significant growth. This year, CENTRESTAGE and its concurrent event Salon de Time were open to the public free of charge, drawing over 20,000 public visitors. The enthusiasm underscores Hong Kong’s unique position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange and a fashion hub.
The fair featured some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, a record high, including several internationally renowned design brands participating in Hong Kong for the first time, such as DOUCAN and holynumber7 from Korea, Woody from Austria, and VICETA WANG from Australia. Top-tier retail giants with global sales networks, including the United Kingdom’s Dover Street Market London and Selfridges, Italy’s 10 Corso Como, and Korea’s Musinsa, were among the buyers. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the fair's role in fostering cross-sector exchanges and unlocking commercial potential. “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,” she said.
An on-site survey of over 350 exhibitors and buyers revealed optimism, with 96% expecting sales to remain steady or grow in the next 12-24 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, spotlighting labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs. Several brands launched limited-edition products, and celebrity visits enhanced engagement. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, noted interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany. Local designer Janko Lam’s brand Classics Anew collaborated with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung, launching their first collection “Quartet” at the fair. Ronald Chan, founder of Devil Claw, praised the pre-fair workshop for providing practical guidance that helped secure on-site sales and new buyer discussions.
Korea debuted as the “Featured Partner” for the first time, with pavilions organized by KOTRA and others presenting 12 designer brands from Seoul and 10 from Gyeonggi Province. Wilfred Chung of KOTRA Hong Kong commended the business-matching environment, noting over 400 visits on the opening day and deals with Hong Kong buyers. Korean brand Asparagus, a first-time exhibitor, drew strong interest and expects initial orders of US$6,000-7,000. New participating countries included Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. Jennifer Feigll, Austrian Trade Commissioner, led a national pavilion in the Circular Fashion zone, with brands like Cape De Coeur gaining media attention from Vogue and GQ.
The fair also facilitated significant business exchanges. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans, menswear buyer at Selfridges, identified two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, for potential wholesale partnerships. Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette expressed interest in Australian VICETA WANG and Chinese Mainland brand WANZZZ. Richie Chan of Triple Major placed three orders on the spot and connected with Austrian fabric supplier Lenzing. The new Perfume zone featured over 20 brands making their Hong Kong debut, with Moon Li of Artis Cultural Association expecting on-site retail sales of HK$100,000 and hoping to evolve the zone into a flagship fragrance event.
Over 40 events, including more than 30 fashion shows (a record high), showcased the vitality of Hong Kong as a “mega-event capital”. The CENTRESTAGE ELITES opening show featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, presenting 30 new looks and engaging in a discussion with Dan Hastings of The Business of Fashion. The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented Spring/Summer 2027 collections by local labels under the theme “Hong Kong Dopamine”. Other presentations included FASHIONALLY Collection #26, the Redress Design Award finale, and the Sparkle Charity Foundation’s young designer challenge. The fair underscored the industry’s rapid integration with creative fields, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s fashion hub.
