The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, concluded successfully today, setting a new attendance record with over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the four-day fair also saw notable growth in buyers from Vietnam, Russia, the US, and Malaysia. Combined with the concurrent event Salon de Time, the fairs attracted over 20,000 public visitors, underscoring Hong Kong's unique position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
The record participation of around 270 brands from 24 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates, indicates the event's growing global appeal. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized that CENTRESTAGE serves as a vital platform for brands to expand internationally, noting the presence of top-tier retail giants such as the UK's Dover Street Market London and Selfridges, Italy's 10 Corso Como, and Korea's Musinsa. This year's fair also introduced the Hype² pavilion, spotlighting streetwear brands led by local celebrities and KOLs, reflecting the industry's growing focus on cross-sector collaboration.
An on-site survey of over 350 exhibitors and buyers revealed optimistic sentiment, with 96% expecting sales to remain steady or grow in the next 12 to 24 months. Notably, 73% agreed that brand crossovers and IP partnerships will become increasingly prevalent, highlighting the market potential of integrating fashion with streetwear and intellectual properties. The survey also identified fashion design as the most popular product category, with 58% of respondents favoring it.
Korea debuted as the Featured Partner, presenting 12 designer brands from Seoul, and the response was overwhelming. Wilfred Chung, Project Manager of KOTRA Hong Kong, noted that the pavilion attracted over 400 visits on the opening day, with some brands already securing deals with Hong Kong buyers. First-time exhibitor Asparagus, a Seoul-based avant-garde brand, drew strong interest and expects initial orders of about US$6,000 to US$7,000. Similarly, Austrian and Australian delegations reported successful business matching, with Austrian brands engaging in discussions and Australian leather brand West 14th securing partnerships with Korean and Japanese buyers.
International buyers expressed enthusiasm for the diverse portfolio of brands. Sophie Rose Davis-Evans, menswear and streetwear buyer at Selfridges, highlighted two Hong Kong labels, peces and MURFI LAU, as standouts, with wholesale negotiations underway. Tifandy Okto, General Manager of Indonesia's Galeries Lafayette, indicated 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, including Danish brand Henrik Vibskov and Thai brand Collector Project.
The fair also featured over 40 events, including more than 30 fashion shows, setting a record in the event's history. The opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS with over 30 new looks, while the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presented Spring/Summer 2027 collections from four local labels under the theme 'Hong Kong Dopamine'. The event concluded with the Redress Design Award finale, promoting circular fashion, with German designer Jon Liesenfeld taking the First Prize.
The success of CENTRESTAGE 2026 reinforces Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and a prime destination for mega cultural and creative events. As the fashion industry rapidly integrates with diverse creative fields, the fair's role in fostering cross-sector exchanges and unlocking commercial potential becomes increasingly vital.
