EVENTS

A Spotlight on Emerging Fashion Designers at Hong Kong’s CENTRESTAGE

11 Aug 2023

Over 200 Hong Kong and international fashion brands will take #CENTRESTAGE at HKTDC’s annual trade exhibition.

Hong Kong’s international fashion trade event CENTRESTAGE is returning for its 8th edition this September. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the annual event is a unique platform designed to promote and empower new and established designers, artisans and brands. Since inception, it has gained significant momentum, quickly establishing itself as the premier stage for Asia’s burgeoning fashion talents and attracting fashion buyers and media keen to discover the next fashion superstar.

Taking place from 6th to 9th September at the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, CENTRESTAGE will welcome thousands of trade and regular visitors with both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) elements, providing exhibitors with opportunities to tap into both trade and retail sectors. Under the electrifying theme of “Radiant Wellness”, attendees can also expect dynamic fashion shows and exhibitions from several industry multipliers and partners like Fashion Farm Foundation, Hong Kong Design Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), and Redress.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights is the opening gala runway show CENTRESTAGE ELITES. Last year’s show featured Hong Kong brand DEMO designed by Derek Chan accomplished Spring/Summer 2023 collection alongside Children of the Discordance by internationally acclaimed Japanese designer Hideaki Shikama. This year, presenting their latest works are Wilson Choi of Redemptive, and Emi Funayama of Fetico. Redemptive, founded by Hong Konger Choi in 2018, channels a rebellious energy through its sportswear-meets-high street garments, focusing on practical styles that strike a balance between personality and wearability. Designed to address societal conventions and raise awareness on forgotten social issues, the brand is most recognised for its signature dropped shoulder silhouette. Tokyo-based Fetico, on the other hand, is a sensual, vintage-inspired label that celebrates the female form. Designer Funayama injects an ultra-feminity with frills, laces and sheer fabrics.

Other exceptional brands worth keeping an eye out for include Barney Cheng (Hong Kong), Doriano (by Dorian Ho - Hong Kong), DEZERT (Hong Kong), DAFU (Mainland China), and CANACO_ (Japan). Most notably, this year's exhibition will feature a first-time pavilion from Indonesia, showcasing the country's diverse fashion offerings. Visitors can also look forward to brands from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Macau, and Korea. To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition will be thoughtfully divided into three thematic zones, each representing a separate facet of fashion:

Allure: This zone will celebrate excellence in craftsmanship, elegance and refinement.

Iconic: Show-stopping avant-garde designs will take CENTRESTAGE here, pushing the boundaries of creative and fashion-forward expression.

Metro: Encapsulating casual, youthful expressions of urban life, this section will resonate with stylish trendsetters.

The four-day event will also explore the infinite possibilities offered by digital fashion and artificial intelligence. Attendees will witness how the latest technologies and innovations are applied within the fashion industry, revolutionizing the way fashion is created, marketed, and experienced. With a remarkable lineup of over 200 brands from 17 different countries, and the integration of cutting-edge technology, CENTRESTAGE 2023 promises to be a world-class event that continues to solidify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s fashion hub.

If you’re interested to be part of this exciting event, visitor pre-registration is open here.