The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, concluded successfully on September 6, 2026, setting a new attendance record with over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the four-day fair also saw notable growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia. Combined with the concurrent Salon de Time, the events welcomed over 20,000 public visitors, underscoring Hong Kong's unique position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange and a dynamic fashion hub.
This year's CENTRESTAGE featured approximately 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, a record high, including first-time participants such as Korea's DOUCAN and holynumber7, Austria's Woody, and Australia's VICETA WANG. The fair attracted top-tier international buyers from prestigious retailers like Dover Street Market London, Selfridges, 10 Corso Como, and Musinsa. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized that the fair serves as a vital platform for brands to enhance visibility and expand into international markets, while fostering cross-sector exchanges among fashion, art, and lifestyle industries.
An on-site survey of over 350 exhibitors and buyers revealed optimistic market sentiment, with 96% expecting sales to remain steady or grow in the next 12 to 24 months. Streetwear and cross-sector collaborations emerged as key trends, with 73% agreeing that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will become increasingly prevalent. Reflecting this, CENTRESTAGE introduced the new Hype² pavilion, featuring brands spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs, which launched about 30 limited-edition products. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, noted interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany, while local designer Janko Lam's collaboration with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung showcased the potential of cross-sector partnerships.
The fair also strengthened support for local brands through pre-fair workshops, with participants like Ronald Chan of Devil Claw gaining practical guidance on meeting international buyers' expectations. Korea debuted as the Featured Partner, with a pavilion organized by KOTRA that attracted over 400 visits on opening day and facilitated deals with Hong Kong retailers. First-time exhibitors from countries including Austria, Colombia, and the UAE participated, with the Austrian pavilion presenting sustainable brands in the Circular Fashion zone. Jennifer Feigll, Austrian Trade Commissioner, highlighted the fair as an excellent starting point for entering the Asian market, noting that several brands had already engaged in buyer discussions.
International buyers expressed strong interest in discovering emerging labels. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans, a buyer from Selfridges, praised the fair's diverse portfolio, identifying two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, as potential wholesale partners. Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette Indonesia expressed interest in Australian and Chinese mainland brands, while Richie Chan from Chengdu's Triple Major placed three on-the-spot orders and connected with premium fabric supplier Lenzing.
The fair featured seven themed zones, including the new Perfume zone, which attracted over 20 brands making their Hong Kong debut. Moon Li of Artis Cultural Association reported strong on-site retail sales and praised the fair's media exposure, hoping the Perfume zone could evolve into Hong Kong's flagship fragrance event.
Over 40 events, including more than 30 fashion shows, set a record in the fair's history. Highlights included the CENTRESTAGE ELITES opening show by KIT WAN STUDIOS and the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show featuring local labels under the theme "Hong Kong Dopamine." The fair also hosted the Redress Design Award, with Germany's Jon Liesenfeld winning First Prize, and showcased young talent through initiatives like the Sparkle Charity Foundation's Chinese-style design challenge.
As CENTRESTAGE continues to grow, it solidifies Hong Kong's status as a mega-event capital and a key driver of fashion and creative industries in Asia, fostering collaboration and business opportunities that extend far beyond the region.
