Asia's premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), marking the start of a four-day extravaganza that runs until 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, showcasing the latest trends and creative talent from across the globe.
The event is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, and this year it opens free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, inviting everyone to experience the allure of Asia's fashion capital. With over 40 events on the agenda, including more than 30 runway shows—an unprecedented lineup—the fair cements its international influence and sartorial magnetism.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the strategic importance of the event: “CENTRESTAGE gathers a constellation of global fashion brands and design luminaries. Through this platform, we aim to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business hub and a superconnector. We enable Hong Kong brands to connect with overseas buyers, while simultaneously attracting international labels to use Hong Kong as a springboard into Asia, fostering two-way collaboration and creating more business opportunities.”
In response to the meteoric growth of streetwear, driven by Gen Z consumers who value self-expression and emotional resonance, CENTRESTAGE debuts the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone featuring labels spearheaded 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. Over 30 limited-edition products were launched, and a special “Hype2 Runway Show” on 4 September will bring together more than 10 streetwear brands with celebrity guest appearances.
The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, led by Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist Kit Wan. The studio has designed “stage armour” for artists at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, bringing Hong Kong design to global stages. Over 30 brand-new looks debuted on the runway, with select pieces displayed at the fairground. The show was livestreamed across multiple platforms, and on 4 September, Kit Wan will engage in a sharing session with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion.
Korea joins as the Featured Partner with its largest-ever pavilion, organized with KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong. Twelve renowned Seoul designer brands, including DOUCAN, ELNORE, and RE RH'EE, are joined by the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio, presenting ten prominent local brands. The pavilion will host a thematic fashion show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” on 4 September, featuring former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.
New to the fair are pavilions from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE. The Austrian pavilion, coordinated by the Austrian Trade Commission, brings seven brands with a unique European flair, while the Canadian pavilion gathers high-end, female-founded brands. The Thai pavilion returns with 14 brands, including KANZ BY THAITOR.
This year’s exhibition features seven thematic zones, including the newly added “Perfume” zone, where over 20 brands from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam make their Hong Kong retail debut, alongside established local brands like OCO. A Scent Station allows visitors to sample fragrances. The “Accessories” zone has been expanded, and the “Craftsmanship” zone celebrates artisanal excellence. Other zones include “Contemporary,” “Urban,” “Athleisure,” and “Circular Fashion,” which champions sustainability with local brand JESSE LEE presenting 3D-printed garments from upcycled fabrics.
The fair also serves as a platform for industry exchange, with “Meet the Designer” sessions featuring renowned Korean designer Rok Hwang, and seminars on sustainable fashion and fashion technology by organizations like AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council. The grand finale, the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2026, will be held on 5 September, with the public invited to vote online for the “My Favourite Collection” award.
Interactive zones, including the Fashion Sound Lab and SNAPIO Stand, offer immersive experiences. The HKTDC continues to invite major retailers from around the world, such as Dover Street Market London and Selfridges, to source at CENTRESTAGE. The event runs concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE, offering a one-stop shopping experience.
