Hong Kong's premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, kicked off its 2026 edition with a dazzling opening gala that spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design and visual arts studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The event, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), showcased over 30 brand-new creations that merged futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. This year's CENTRESTAGE ELITES not only celebrated innovative design but also underscored the city's growing influence in the global fashion landscape.
Kit Wan, known for designing "stage armour" for artists at international events such as the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and Eurovision in the United Kingdom, brought his unique vision to the runway. His studio has collaborated with prominent Hong Kong artists including Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan, highlighting deep ties with the local music scene. The show featured a dedicated exhibition zone displaying seven iconic stage costumes previously designed for artists like Hins Cheung and Miriam Yeung, offering attendees a glimpse into the intersection of fashion and music.
The opening gala was graced by Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, as the Guest of Honour, alongside a constellation of celebrities and fashion heavyweights. The After Party featured live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers, adding to the night's allure. The event was livestreamed across multiple platforms, allowing a global audience to witness the spectacular performance.
CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The fair opened its doors to both industry professionals and the public free of charge for four consecutive days, featuring over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. This year's edition aims to reinforce Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion capital and a hub for cultural and creative industries.
The implications of this event extend beyond the runway. By showcasing local talent like Kit Wan, CENTRESTAGE provides a platform for Hong Kong designers to gain international recognition and expand into overseas markets. On Friday, Kit Wan will engage in a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to share insights on creative inspiration and his journey in global brand expansion. Such interactions foster collaborations and business opportunities, aligning with the HKTDC's mission to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub.
Hong Kong Fashion Fest, announced in the 2023 Policy Address, is a strategic initiative to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. This year's edition, themed "Rhythm of the Heart," will be held from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks in Hong Kong, bringing together eight flagship programmes organised by six industry organisations. For the first time, it is combined with CENTRESTAGE to generate stronger synergies, attracting fashion design industry players from around the world and fostering innovation and business opportunities.
The opening gala's success underscores Hong Kong's commitment to nurturing creative talent and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration. With its unique blend of technology, art, and fashion, CENTRESTAGE ELITES set a high bar for the rest of the event. As the fair continues, attendees can look forward to discovering emerging designers and witnessing the evolution of Hong Kong's fashion scene. The event also highlights the importance of such gatherings in consolidating Hong Kong's status as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
For those unable to attend in person, the CENTRESTAGE website offers a livestream replay, and a photo download is available at https://bit.ly/4zS9rXg. More information about CENTRESTAGE can be found on its official website at https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en.
