Annual fashion fair CENTRESTAGE has wrapped up another successful showcase and celebration of creative talent, gathering more than 260 brands from 25 countries and regions and over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions.
CENTRESTAGE’s international appeal and packed agenda, including more than 50 shows and events, consolidated its status as an essential trade and exchange platform for the fashion industry, while spotlighting Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a major hub for brands and designers from around the world.
“This year’s fair set records in terms of scale and internationalisation, bringing together a wide range of globally renowned design brands,” remarked Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
CENTRESTAGE was organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency.
Many prominent local and overseas buyers joined the fashion extravaganza, which was held over four days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Leading retailers and procurement groups that attended this year included Machine-A from the UK, Sugar from Italy, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores from Japan, Zalora from Indonesia and ESSX from the US.
Stavros Karelis, Founder and Buying Director at Machine-A, highlighted CENTRESTAGE’s role as a valuable gateway for international buyers to explore Asia’s vibrant and diverse market.
“The fair beautifully captured the fusion of local and global design talent,” he noted.
Business dynamism
Attendees were also optimistic about the trajectory of future business. Over half of respondents in a survey of more than 400 exhibitors and buyers anticipated increased sales over the next one to two years, while a further 40% expected sales to remain steady, supporting the buoyant atmosphere.
The 2025 show saw a notable increase in buyers from the United Kingdom, Mainland China, India and Indonesia in particular.
Additionally, the United Kingdom joined as Partner Country for the first time, presenting 16 brands and designers.
The UK pavilion also partnered with the JCA | London Fashion Academy (JCA) to feature work from a new generation of designers. JCA was founded by world-renowned fashion legend Prof Jimmy Choo, who also gave a sharing session at CENTRESTAGE.
A UK fashion show further recognised the country’s artistry and vision.
Meanwhile, this year’s opening gala, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, shone the spotlight on Beijing-born designer Guo Pei. The acclaimed couturier presented a selection of hand-crafted pieces under the theme ‘Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance’.
Ms Guo also shared her design journey and philosophy while hosting a masterclass during CENTRESTAGE.
The highlight of the closing evening was the grand finale of this year’s Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest.
A panel of professional judges crowned Tiger Chung as Champion, while awarding Lau Hei-nga the Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award. The My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public voting, went to Mook Yip.
Hong Kong creativity and talent was visible throughout the show.
Fashion Hong Kong, an overseas promotion campaign run by the HKTDC, presented creative collections from four Hong Kong brands – ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, IP AXIS INDUSTRIAL STUDIO and selfFab – that reflected the respective designers’ creative journeys.
FASHIONALLY, on online platform run by HKTDC, also showcased four emerging brands – phenotypsetter, MARCCH, Oplus2 and OUS – highlighting the inventiveness and energy of Hong Kong’s new generation of designers.
CENTRESAGE also hosted the finals of the Redress Design Award – an annual competition promoting circular fashion. The championship title was jointly awarded to Carla Zhang and Hugo Dumas, while the ‘Hong Kong Best’ title went to Nathan Moy.
Cross-cultural craftsmanship
This year’s fair also brought together brands from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Designs that incorporated traditional techniques, such as embroidery, weaving and tie-dyeing, showcased exquisite craftsmanship and cultural depth, while helping invigorate the modern fashion landscape.
Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa presented designs using Gambiered Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage.
Isabelle.C, another Hong Kong brand, featured the Chinese intangible heritage technique of Kesi, a form of silk tapestry weaving, in its designs.
Thailand’s Laweng showcased ethnic culture and weaving craftsmanship, while Macao’s Yu Kwa produced gold-embroidered skirt jackets, which are also recognised as an intangible cultural heritage.