CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running through 5 September. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the 11th edition has attracted a record-breaking 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions. The event is free to both industry buyers and the public, offering an immersive experience in Asia's fashion capital.
This year's fair features over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the event's role in leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages as a superconnector, fostering two-way collaboration between local and international brands, and consolidating Hong Kong's status as Asia's fashion and creative hub.
A major highlight is the debut of the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone spotlighting streetwear labels led 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 launched some 30 limited-edition products and will feature the "Hype2 Runway Show" on 4 September, bringing together over 10 streetwear brands with special celebrity appearances.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The studio has designed for artists at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, and presented over 30 new looks from its collection "MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY," with a livestream across multiple platforms. Kit Wan will also engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, on 4 September.
Korea is serving as CENTRESTAGE's Featured Partner for the first time, with its largest-ever pavilion, organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong. The pavilion brings 12 renowned Seoul designer brands, including DOUCAN, ELNORE, and RE RH'EE, along with 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.
New to CENTRESTAGE this year is a dedicated Perfume zone, featuring over 20 fragrance brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam making their Hong Kong retail debut, along with established names like local brand OCO. A Scent Station allows visitors to sample fragrances. The Accessories zone has been expanded, and other zones include Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion, covering a wide range of styles.
The event also serves as a platform for industry exchange, with seminars on sustainable fashion and technology, featuring speakers from AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council. Renowned Korean designer Rok Hwang will share his experience in founding ROKH. Competitions such as the Redress Design Award 2026 and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026 will take place, with the YDC final on 5 September.
Interactive zones like the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand offer visitors immersive experiences. The French Cultural Salon at FIGARO Café provides a space for cultural exchange. HKTDC has invited international buyers, including major retailers like B1OCK, Dongliang, 10 Corso Como, Muninsa, Dover Street Market London, and Selfridges.
CENTRESTAGE is held concurrently with the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a one-stop shopping experience. For more details, visit the CENTRESTAGE website and the YDC voting page.
