[cs_content _p=’7034′][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]The 6th CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), successfully concluded today after a four-day showcase of global fashion. Despite being briefly suspended due to a typhoon, the event was extended for three days and maintained strong engagement through both the Exhibition+ platform and physical attendance. CENTRESTAGE showcased over 250 brands from 18 countries, setting a new participation record and drawing 8,500 buyers from 82 countries.
Expanding Global Fashion Connections
CENTRESTAGE 2024 focused on connecting global brands with buyers from regions including Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan. The event offered Salon de TIME, which opened to the public for the first time, attracting over 15,000 visitors and creating new business opportunities for exhibitors. This year’s event solidified CENTRESTAGE as a critical platform for the fashion industry in Asia.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized CENTRESTAGE’s role as a pivotal fashion event in Hong Kong. Prominent brands like ROBERT WUN and ROKSANDA were showcased, alongside major international buyers such as CNTRBND, VOO Store, Galeries Lafayette, and others. These engagements fostered new business ventures, making CENTRESTAGE a key forum for fashion trade and brand promotion across Asia and beyond.
Insights from the Fashion Industry
The HKTDC conducted a survey with 370 exhibitors and buyers, revealing optimism for the future of the fashion industry. Nearly 35% expect increased sales in the next six to twelve months, while 50% forecast growth over the next two years. Notably, 61% of respondents identified global economic fluctuations as a challenge, while 36% saw rising demand from emerging markets as a key opportunity.
The survey also highlighted the importance of online sales channels, with 52% of respondents using both online and offline methods for sourcing and sales, signaling a continued shift toward digital procurement.
Accessories and Athleisure Lead the Way
Fashion accessories were identified as the key growth area, followed by urban clothing. YGM Group, showcasing its athleisure brand ASHWORTH, saw significant interest from buyers in Singapore and Thailand. Becky Kam, Brand Manager at YGM, noted that CENTRESTAGE’s focus on athleisure and circular fashion zones attracted relevant buyers, generating promising business leads.
Iris Ramos, founder of Singapore’s Duxton, expressed satisfaction with the event, highlighting the exposure it provided and the interest from buyers across Australia, Germany, and Mainland China.
International Buyers See High Potential
Japanese buyer Keisuke Fujita, CEO of THE FOUR-EYED Limited, praised the event’s business matching opportunities, which resulted in potential orders ranging from $8,000 to $16,000. Fujita also appreciated the HKTDC’s Scan2Match feature, enabling streamlined product sourcing through the platform’s app.
Korean buyer Jonghun Park from Samsung C&T Fashion Group highlighted his interest in avant-garde brands like LA HAINE INSIDE US (LH) and forecast a potential order of approximately $15,000. CENTRESTAGE’s ability to connect buyers with innovative designers ensures that brands remain at the cutting edge of global fashion trends.
Local Designers Shine in Fashion Shows
CENTRESTAGE 2024 hosted 40 fashion shows, including the opening event CENTRESTAGE ELITES, which debuted at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The show featured Robert Wun, Hong Kong’s first designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, marking his return to the city with a widely praised “Home Coming” collection.
Additionally, Fashion Hong Kong’s runway show, with a cinematic presentation style, featured local brands like ANGUS TSUI and röyksopp gakkai, drawing attention for its creative storytelling approach. The Redress Design Award 2024 showcased circular fashion, with multiple awards presented to highlight the importance of sustainable design.
Local brands, including CHARLOTTE NG STUDIO and HARRISON WONG, also debuted their latest collections at the event. With their vibrant fashion displays, these brands reflected Hong Kong’s growing influence in the global fashion industry.
A Global Fashion Hub
CENTRESTAGE 2024 has solidified its place as one of Asia’s premier fashion trade platforms. With over 250 global brands, 8,500 buyers, and 15,000 public visitors, the event showcased the latest fashion trends while providing new opportunities for business growth. As the industry evolves, CENTRESTAGE continues to foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration within the fashion sector.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]
