The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully on September 6, 2026, after a four-day run that set a new attendance record. The fair attracted over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions, with notable growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia. Together with the concurrent Salon de Time event, the fairs welcomed over 20,000 public visitors, underscoring Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and an East-meets-West center for cultural exchange.
The record-breaking participation included some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, the highest in the event's history. First-time participants included renowned international brands such as DOUCAN and holynumber7 from Korea, Woody from Austria, and VICETA WANG from Australia. Top-tier retail giants like Dover Street Market London, Selfridges, 10 Corso Como, and Musinsa also attended for sourcing and business matching, reflecting the fair's role in facilitating global trade.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the fair's impact: "CENTRESTAGE serves as a vital platform that helps brands enhance visibility, expand business opportunities, and reach international markets." The event fostered cross-sector exchanges among fashion, art, and lifestyle industries, opening innovative collaboration modes and unlocking commercial potential.
An on-site survey of over 350 exhibitors and buyers revealed optimistic industry sentiment, with 96% expecting sales to remain steady or grow in the next 12 to 24 months. Fashion design was identified as the most popular product category by 58% of respondents. Notably, 73% agreed that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will become increasingly prevalent, highlighting the market potential of streetwear and cross-sector collaborations.
In response to the rapid growth of streetwear, CENTRESTAGE introduced the new Hype² pavilion, featuring labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs. Several brands launched about 30 limited-edition products during the fair. Actress Rosita Kwok, founder of Claro, noted, "We attracted interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany, laying a foundation for future market expansion." Local designer Janko Lam's brand Classics Anew collaborated with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung to launch their first joint collection, "Quartet."
Korea debuted as the Featured Partner, with 12 designer brands from Seoul and 10 from Gyeonggi Province. Wilfred Chung of KOTRA Hong Kong praised the business-matching environment, noting that some brands already secured deals with Hong Kong buyers. Antonio Shin, a Korean designer, successfully connected with buyers from multiple countries, while first-time exhibitor Asparagus expects initial orders of about US$6,000 to US$7,000.
Newcomer countries included Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates. Jennifer Feigll of Advantage Austria led a national pavilion in the Circular Fashion zone, saying, "The fair is an excellent starting point for entering Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the wider Asian market." Marianne Perkovic of the Australian Fashion Council reported that buyer meetings increased from 120 to 180, with strong interest from various regions.
International buyers expressed enthusiasm. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans of Selfridges, visiting for the first time, highlighted two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, as standouts. Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette Indonesia showed interest in Australian and Chinese brands. Richie Chan of Chengdu's Triple Major placed three orders on the spot and connected with Austrian fabric supplier Lenzing.
The fair also introduced a new Perfume zone, featuring more than 20 brands making their Hong Kong debut. Moon Li of Artis Cultural Association praised the fair's media exposure, expecting on-site retail sales to reach HK$100,000. Looking ahead, she hopes the zone will evolve into Hong Kong's flagship fragrance event.
Over 40 events were held, including more than 30 fashion shows, a record high. The opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured KIT WAN STUDIOS with 30 new looks. The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented Spring/Summer 2027 collections by four local labels under the theme "Hong Kong Dopamine." Other highlights included FASHIONALLY presentations and the Redress Design Award finale, won by Germany's Jon Liesenfeld.
The record attendance and diverse participation underscore CENTRESTAGE's significance in promoting fashion trade and cultural exchange, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a mega-event capital and its role in the global fashion industry.
