CENTRESTAGE Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Record International Participation and Optimistic Industry Outlook

The 10th anniversary edition of CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), concluded successfully with record-breaking participation and international reach. The four-day fashion event featured over 260 brands from 25 countries and regions, marking its largest-ever scale and level of internationalization while attracting over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions.

Buyer participation from the United Kingdom, Mainland China, India, and Indonesia showed significant growth, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and a center for East-West cultural exchange. The event, along with the concurrent Salon de TIME, was fully open to the public free of charge, attracting over 19,000 public visits and successfully assisting exhibitors in expanding their customer base while promoting creative sector development.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the fair's evolution into an essential trade platform for local, Asian, and international fashion brands. This year's event brought together globally renowned design brands participating for the first time, including Saul Nash from the UK, HENRIK VIBSKOV from Denmark, and THE NERDYS from Japan. The event also featured internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei and fashion legend Professor Jimmy Choo OBE, who hosted inspiring sharing sessions.

A comprehensive survey conducted during the fair revealed optimistic industry outlook, with 56% of respondents expecting sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months. The survey, which interviewed more than 400 exhibitors and buyers, identified key challenges including global economic fluctuations (44%) and keen industry competition (40%). Regarding opportunities, 38% of respondents cited rising demand from emerging markets as their greatest potential, while 36% believed fashion accessories hold the greatest growth potential among product categories.

The United Kingdom joined as Partner Country for the first time, presenting 16 highly creative fashion brands and emerging designers through its pavilion that highlighted diverse styles and sustainable concepts. The UK collaborated with the JCA-London Fashion Academy founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE to showcase works by a new generation of designers.

This year's CENTRESTAGE featured six themed zones showcasing the latest fashion trends, including a newly launched Accessories zone that responded to market demand for functional yet stylish accessory ranges. Cross-cultural craftsmanship emerged as a significant design trend, with brands from diverse cultural backgrounds showcasing works that blend traditional techniques such as embroidery, weaving, and tie-dyeing. Highlights included Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited utilizing Gambier Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage fabric, and other brands incorporating techniques like Kesi silk tapestry weaving and traditional gold-embroidered craftsmanship.

International buyers praised the fair's global brand appeal and diverse product offerings, with many expressing strong interest in Hong Kong designers' distinctive creativity. Stavros Karelis, Founder and Buying Director at UK-based concept store Machine-A, noted that CENTRESTAGE provides international buyers with a valuable gateway to explore Asia's vibrant market while serving as an exciting platform for new talent.

The event featured approximately 50 fashion shows and events, including the opening gala show CENTRESTAGE ELITES at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where Guo Pei unveiled her collection "Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance" featuring over 30 handcrafted masterpieces. The Fashion Hong Kong show celebrated its 10th anniversary with four Hong Kong brands presenting creative collections under the theme "A Decade in Design: What Is Seen? What Is Felt?". Additional information about the events can be found on the CENTRESTAGE website and Fashion Hong Kong portal.

The finals of the Redress Design Award 2025, a competition dedicated to advancing circular fashion now in its 15th year, were successfully staged during the event, with multiple awards presented to designers showcasing unique sustainable fashion designs. The championship title was jointly awarded to designers Carla Zhang and Hugo Dumas, while Nathan Moy received the "Hong Kong Best" award.