The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event, with a dazzling gala on Wednesday night at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design and visual arts studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The presentation, set against the Victoria Harbour backdrop, showcased over 30 brand-new creations infused with futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics, marking a bold statement for the region's fashion industry.
This year's CENTRESTAGE, which runs from 2 to 5 September, is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, organized by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The event underscores Hong Kong's ambition to solidify its status as Asia's creative capital and an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. By bringing together industry professionals, celebrities, and the public, the fair aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the fashion sector.
Kit Wan's studio has gained international recognition for designing "stage armour" for artists at prestigious events such as the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and Eurovision in the United Kingdom. The studio's collaborative roster includes renowned Hong Kong artists like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan, highlighting its deep ties with the local music scene. At the CENTRESTAGE ELITES show, select pieces from the collection will be on display at the fairground throughout the event (Booth No. 3D-D06).
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended as the Guest of Honour, along with a constellation of celebrities and fashion heavyweights. The evening's After Party featured live performances by Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition zone displayed seven iconic stage costumes designed by KIT WAN STUDIOS for artists like Hins Cheung and Miriam Yeung, offering attendees a glimpse into the studio's creative journey.
The fair is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge, featuring over 40 events including more than 30 runway shows. On Friday, Kit Wan will engage in a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to discuss creative inspiration and global brand expansion. This conversation is expected to provide valuable insights for emerging designers and brands looking to enter international markets.
The impact of this event extends beyond the runway. It positions Hong Kong as a key player in the global fashion industry, attracting talent and investment from around the world. For industry observers, the emphasis on local creative talent and international collaborations signals a vibrant future for Hong Kong's fashion ecosystem. As the city continues to develop its cultural and creative industries, events like CENTRESTAGE serve as vital platforms for nurturing talent and showcasing innovation.
To relive the spectacular ELITES performance, audiences can access the livestream through the CENTRESTAGE Website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels. For more information about the event, visit the CENTRESTAGE official page.
