The 10th anniversary edition of CENTRESTAGE concluded successfully, establishing new benchmarks for scale and international participation in Asia's fashion industry. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the event featured over 260 brands from 25 countries and regions, attracting more than 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions. This record-breaking participation, particularly from the UK, Mainland China, India, and Indonesia, reinforces Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion hub and a center for East-West cultural exchange.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the event's significance: "Over the past decade, CENTRESTAGE has become an essential trade and exchange platform for local, Asian and international fashion brands." The fair attracted prominent international buyers including Machine-A from the UK, Sugar Srl from Italy, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores from Japan, and Zalora from Indonesia, while also helping local brands expand internationally.
A comprehensive survey conducted during the fair revealed optimistic industry outlook, with 56% of respondents expecting sales growth over the next 12-24 months. The survey identified rising demand from emerging markets (38%) and fashion accessories (36%) as having the greatest growth potential. Respondents cited global economic fluctuations (44%) and keen industry competition (40%) as major challenges.
The event featured six themed zones, including a newly launched Accessories zone responding to market demand. Cross-cultural craftsmanship emerged as a significant trend, with brands showcasing traditional techniques such as embroidery, weaving, and tie-dyeing. Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited showcased designs using Gambier Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage fabric, while other brands like Isabelle.C incorporated Kesi silk tapestry weaving into modern designs.
International participation reached new heights with the United Kingdom joining as Partner Country, presenting 16 creative fashion brands and emerging designers through partnerships including the JCA-London Fashion Academy founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE. First-time exhibitor Vald Showroom from Denmark brought curated brands including HENRIK VIBSKOV, known for runway appearances in Copenhagen and Paris. Jacob Jensen, the company's CEO, noted their excitement about exploring Asian market preferences and buyer responses to their collections.
The event featured approximately 50 fashion shows and events, including CENTRESTAGE ELITES at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where celebrated couturier Guo Pei unveiled her "Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance" collection featuring over 30 handcrafted masterpieces. Fashion Hong Kong marked its 10th anniversary with a show theme "A Decade in Design: What Is Seen? What Is Felt?" featuring four Hong Kong brands. The FASHIONALLY platform showcased four emerging brands in its FASHIONALLY Collection #25, highlighting Hong Kong's new generation of designers.
Buyers from around the world praised the fair's global brand appeal and diverse offerings. Stavros Karelis, Founder and Buying Director at UK-based concept store Machine-A, noted that "CENTRESTAGE is proven to be an exciting platform for new talent while providing international buyers with a valuable gateway to explore the pulse of Asia's vibrant and diverse market." Despite his inaugural visit, Karelis allocated specific budget for designs discovered at the fair, underscoring its importance as an influential global fashion platform. Additional event details and highlights can be revisited through various online platforms including the CENTRESTAGE website and Fashion Hong Kong portal.
