Asia’s new fashion event to debut in September 2016

Centrestage, a brand new international fashion event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from September 7-10, 2016, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.

“We are positioning Centrestage to be a platform for international, especially Asian, fashion brands and designers to promote their brands and launch their collections,” states Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director, HKTDC. “Fashion brands can leverage the show to reach buyers, particularly select shops, department stores and e-retailers, as well as fashion media and fashion enthusiasts in the region.”

The inaugural Centrestage will feature more than 200 fashion brands and four thematic zones – Glam, Allure, Metro and Forward. Glam will bring together top international brands that embody fashion of the highest quality. Allure will showcase sophisticated designs that captivate the senses. Metro will present trendy and sporty designs for cosmopolites. Forward will feature up-and-coming labels and budding fashion talents from Hong Kong and around the region.

“Although still in its preparation stage, Centrestage is fast gathering momentum and will showcase brands including 112 Mountainyam, Anagram, Anteprima, Aquascutum, Arthur Lam, Atsuro Tayama, Charmante, Dorian Ho, Galtiscopio, Harrison Wong, i.t, Koyo, Loom Loop, Lu Lu Cheung, Moiselle, Nostrum and Sudo Kids,” says Abdul Aziz Nasser, deputy director, Middle East.

“To solidify Hong Kong’s position as the region’s fashion capital, a large-scale fashion parade entitled Centrestage Elites will be staged on the first day of the event (September 7). Top models will showcase the latest fashion collections from four of the hottest design units in Asia for what promises to be a spectacular fashion extravaganza,” adds Nasser.

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2016 (YDC), to be held on September 10, will be another highlight of Centrestage. Over the years, YDC has played a significant role in identifying emerging talents for the local fashion industry, including Barney Cheng, Cecilia Yau, Harrison Wong, Joseph Li, and rising designers such as Aries Sin, Mim Mak and Mountain Yam. YDC is an invaluable platform for fashion designers who aspire to launch their own labels to showcase their works and creativity.

Centrestage will feature multiple fashion shows and brand showcases to provide a platform for international labels to promote their latest collections. The HKTDC will also organise networking events and trend seminars during the show, and invite seasoned industry professionals and experts to analyse the latest market trends in fashion.

On the last day of the event (September 10), Centrestage will transform into Openstage, and visitors aged 12 or above will be admitted free of charge. Openstage will provide the public with the opportunity to experience a trendsetting fashion event look up-close at the latest collections and connect personally with the designers who created them.