CENTRESTAGE 2026 Opens with Record Participation and New Streetwear Pavilion

The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running through 5 September. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the four-day exhibition is free to both industry buyers and the public, showcasing over 270 international brands from 24 countries and regions—a record participation.

This year’s event introduces the Hype2 pavilion, a dedicated zone for streetwear brands led by local celebrities and key opinion leaders (KOLs). Exhibitors include Rosita Kwok’s Claro, Vincent Wong’s OGIS, Kelvin Kwan’s PICK AND MATCH, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung, and Pakho Chau’s XPX, with some 30 limited-edition products launched during the fair. The Hype2 Runway Show on 4 September will feature over 10 streetwear brands and celebrity appearances, catering to growing Gen Z demand for self-expression and emotional resonance.

The grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, spotlighted KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director Kit Wan. The studio has dressed artists for the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, and unveiled over 30 new looks from the collection “MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY,” livestreamed across platforms. On 4 September, Wan will join Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, for a sharing session on operating a fashion brand from an art studio perspective.

Korea serves as CENTRESTAGE’s Featured Partner for the first time, with the largest-ever Korean pavilion organized by KOTRA, HISEOUL SHOWROOM, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. Twelve Seoul designer brands, including DOUCAN, ELNORE, and RE RH'EE, are joined by the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio’s 10 brands such as ARTS DE BASE and VEGANTIGER. The pavilion’s thematic show, “SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable,” on 4 September, will feature former IZ*ONE member Lee Chae-yeon as a guest performer.

New this year is a Perfume Zone, gathering over 20 fragrance brands from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong’s OCO, with many making their Hong Kong retail debut. The zone includes a Scent Station for sampling. Other thematic zones—Accessories, Craftsmanship, Contemporary, Urban, Athleisure, and Circular Fashion—offer diverse styles, from sustainable designs by JESSE LEE to streetwear labels like 8FIVE2 by 24herbs member Julius Brian Siswojo, who appeared on opening day.

The fair features over 40 events, including more than 30 runway shows—a record high. Highlights include the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show on 3 September, inspired by “Hong Kong Dopamine,” presenting brands 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, and Z I D I. FASHIONALLY showcases emerging local designers, and the Redress Design Award 2026 and Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) on 5 September will crown new talents. The public can vote online for YDC’s “My Favourite Collection” award at fashionally.com.

Interactive zones include the Fashion Sound Lab, SNAPIO Stand, and FIGARO Café, offering immersive experiences. Concurrently, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE (1-5 September) run alongside, with a lucky draw combining both events.

Smilely Lam, HKTDC Associate Executive Director, emphasized CENTRESTAGE’s role in leveraging Hong Kong’s superconnector status to foster two-way business opportunities and “further consolidating Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion and creative hub.” The event also welcomes first-time participants from Austria, Colombia, the Faroe Islands, Malaysia, Slovakia, and the UAE, broadening its global reach.