CENTRESTAGE Fashion Fair Sets Records in Scale and International Participation

The 10th anniversary edition of CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully with record-breaking participation and international reach. The four-day fashion fair featured more than 260 brands from 25 countries and regions, marking its largest-ever scale and level of internationalization. Over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions attended, with significant growth in buyer participation from the United Kingdom, Mainland China, India, and Indonesia.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the fair's role as an essential trade and exchange platform for local, Asian, and international fashion brands. The event attracted globally renowned design brands participating for the first time, including Saul Nash from the UK, HENRIK VIBSKOV from Denmark, and THE NERDYS from Japan. Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei and fashion legend Professor Jimmy Choo OBE hosted talks, with Guo Pei staging her solo couture show "Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance" at CENTRESTAGE ELITES.

A survey conducted by HKTDC during the fair revealed optimistic industry outlook, with 56% of respondents expecting sales growth over the next 12 to 24 months. The survey identified rising demand from emerging markets as the major business opportunity (38%), while 36% of respondents believed fashion accessories hold the greatest growth potential. Key challenges included global economic fluctuations (44%) and keen industry competition (40%).

The United Kingdom participated as Partner Country for the first time, presenting 16 creative fashion brands and emerging designers through collaboration with the JCA-London Fashion Academy founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE. The fair featured six themed zones, including a newly launched Accessories zone responding to market demand. Cross-cultural craftsmanship emerged as a significant trend, with brands showcasing traditional techniques such as embroidery, weaving, and tie-dyeing.

Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited showcased designs using Gambier Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage fabric. Other highlights included Isabelle.C incorporating Chinese Kesi silk tapestry weaving, Thai brand Lava Laweng showcasing ethnic weaving craftsmanship, and Macao brand Yu Kwa featuring gold-embroidered skirt jackets. International buyers praised the fair's global brand appeal and diverse offerings, with Stavros Karelis, Founder of UK-based Machine-A, noting CENTRESTAGE as "an exciting platform for new talent" and a valuable gateway to Asia's vibrant market.

The fair featured approximately 50 fashion shows and events, including the CENTRESTAGE ELITES gala show at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Fashion Hong Kong celebrated its 10th anniversary with a show under the theme "A Decade in Design: What Is Seen? What Is Felt?" featuring four Hong Kong brands. The FASHIONALLY platform showcased emerging brands in its FASHIONALLY Collection #25, while the Redress Design Award 2025 finals highlighted sustainable fashion designs. Additional information about the event can be found at CENTRESTAGE and Fashion Hong Kong.