The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) kicked off the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest with CENTRESTAGE ELITES, a star-studded fashion gala held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 2 September 2026. The event spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist Kit Wan. Known for designing stage costumes for artists at international events such as the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, Kit Wan presented over 30 new looks that blended futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
The show, which served as the opening of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, drew a constellation of celebrities, artists, and fashion industry leaders. Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, attended as the Guest of Honour. The showcase underscored the growing influence of Hong Kong fashion on the global stage, with Kit Wan's collaborative roster including local music icons like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. A dedicated exhibition at the venue displayed seven iconic stage costumes previously created by the studio for these artists, highlighting the deep connection between fashion and Hong Kong's vibrant music scene.
The event also featured an after-party with live performances by Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model-musician Kim Peers, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. CENTRESTAGE, which runs from 2 to 5 September, is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge, offering over 40 events including more than 30 runway shows and parades. On 4 September, Kit Wan will engage in a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to discuss creative inspiration and his brand's expansion into overseas markets.
The significance of this event extends beyond the runway. CENTRESTAGE is a flagship programme of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, a government initiative announced in the 2023 Policy Address to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. By consolidating various fashion events and introducing innovative elements, the festival aims to promote Hong Kong's fashion and textile design brands and reinforce its position as a prime destination for mega cultural and creative events. The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, themed "Rhythm of the Heart," runs from 1 to 14 September at various landmarks across Hong Kong, bringing together eight flagship programmes and, for the first time, combining with CENTRESTAGE to generate stronger synergies.
The opening gala was livestreamed across multiple platforms, allowing global audiences to witness the spectacle. For those interested in viewing the full performance, links are available on the [CENTRESTAGE website](https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en/livestream) and via [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc). The event not only showcased Hong Kong's creative talent but also served as a catalyst for business opportunities and international collaboration, aligning with the HKTDC's mission to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub.
As CENTRESTAGE continues through the week, it promises to attract fashion design industry players from around the world, fostering innovation and establishing platforms for local and international designers. The inclusion of KIT WAN STUDIOS as the featured designer at this year's ELITES underscores the city's commitment to nurturing multidisciplinary talent and bridging the gap between art, culture, and commerce.
