The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully on September 6, 2026, setting a new attendance record with over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions. The four-day fair, held as a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, also saw notable growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia. When combined with the concurrent Salon de Time event, public visitor attendance exceeded 20,000, underscoring Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
The fair brought together a record 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, highlighted the record number of participating brands and the presence of internationally renowned labels such as DOUCAN and holynumber7 from Korea, Woody from Austria, and VICETA WANG from Australia. Top-tier retail buyers from global giants like Dover Street Market London, Selfridges, 10 Corso Como, and Musinsa attended, fostering dynamic interactions that demonstrated the fair's role in promoting cross-sector exchanges among fashion, art, cultural creativity, and lifestyle industries.
A survey conducted by HKTDC among 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, while 73% agreed that brand crossovers and IP partnerships would become increasingly prevalent, indicating strong market potential for streetwear and cross-sector collaborations.
To cater to the growing streetwear trend, CENTRESTAGE introduced the new Hype² pavilion, featuring fashion labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs. Several brands launched limited-edition products, and actress Rosita Kwok, founder of the new brand Claro, noted that the fair attracted interest from buyers in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, and Germany. Local designer Janko Lam also showcased his 'Classics Anew' brand's collaboration with ink painting artist Kan Tai-keung, launching the 'Quartet' collection. Ronald Chan, founder of gothic silver jewellery brand Devil Claw, praised the pre-fair workshop for providing practical guidance and reported substantial on-site retail sales and new buyer discussions.
Korea debuted as the 'Featured Partner' of the fair, with support from KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The Korean pavilion attracted over 400 visits on opening day, and some brands secured deals with Hong Kong buyers. Antonio Shin, founder of a namesake Korean brand, successfully connected with buyers from multiple countries, while first-time exhibitor Asparagus, an avant-garde brand, expects initial orders of US$6,000 to US$7,000. Jennifer Feigll, Austrian Trade Commissioner, led a national pavilion in the Circular Fashion zone, presenting seven sustainable brands, some of which have already begun discussions with buyers. Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair of the Australian Fashion Council, noted an increase in buyer meetings from 120 to 180, with strong interest from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, and Korea.
International buyers also expressed enthusiasm. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans, menswear and streetwear buyer at Selfridges, visited for the first time and highlighted two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, as potential wholesale partners. Tifandy Okto, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Indonesia, expressed interest in Australian brand VICETA WANG and Chinese Mainland brand WANZZZ. Richie Chan, founder of Chengdu fashion store Triple Major, placed three orders on the spot and connected with Austrian fabric supplier Lenzing to upgrade his own brand.
The fair also featured a new Perfume zone, with more than 20 fragrance brands making their Hong Kong debut. Moon Li, Founder of Artis Cultural Association, praised the zone's success, expecting on-site retail sales of HK$100,000. Over 40 events were held, including more than 30 fashion shows, setting a record high. The opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured KIT WAN STUDIOS, while the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented collections by four local labels under the theme 'Hong Kong Dopamine.' Additionally, the Redress Design Award finale took place, with German designer Jon Liesenfeld winning First Prize.
The success of CENTRESTAGE reinforces Hong Kong's role as a superconnector in the global fashion industry, facilitating business exchanges and showcasing the city's unique ability to bridge East and West. As the event continues to grow, it provides a vital platform for brands to expand into international markets and for cross-sector collaboration to flourish.
