var utag_data = ({"site_subsection" : "Information", "page_name" : "Previous Edition - Buyers’ Commentary", "page_type" : "section", "fair_year": "2223", "fair_code": "Centerstage"});

BOOTH ENQUIRY
VISITOR REGISTRATION

#MeMyselfAndUs

powered by Vogue Hong Kong
EN / 中文

Welcome Message

A very warm welcome to CENTRESTAGE 2022, one of Asia’s signature fashion events.

Running under the theme “Inclusion and Diversity” with the hashtag “#MeMyselfAndUs”, this year’s CENTRESTAGE emphasises self-expression and the uniqueness of individuals. It also encourages embracing different cultures and values, and promotes the free and bold articulation of beauty and creativity.

This year, the show is playing host to more than 230 fashion brands and designer labels from 15 countries and regions, providing an ideal platform to unveil the latest collections and fashion accessories. On top of physical presentation, the brands’ info and designs are also featured on the CENTRESTAGE 2022 website, which is jointly developed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and our digital content partner Vogue Hong Kong, enabling buyers to view them without temporal and spatial constraints. Overseas buyers can also meet the exhibitors online to explore business opportunities via our business matching services.

CENTRESTAGE kicks off with CENTRESTAGE ELITES. The opening gala show is staged with models strutting down the runway in the 2023 spring/summer collections by Hong Kong label DEMO, co-founded by Derek Chan and Mite Chan, and Japanese designer Hideaki Shikama’s brand, Children of the discordance. The show will be livestreamed to the CENTRESTAGE website and social media channels.

Having long served as a launch pad for local talent to kickstart their career and make their mark in fashion, the “Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest” (YDC) will be held on the last day of CENTRESTAGE (11 September), for which a panel of eminent judges will select the fashion stars of tomorrow.

In addition, around 30 fashion shows, mini parades and insightful seminars have been arranged throughout the three days.

Following last year’s well-received response, CENTRESTAGE is once again open to the public, giving fashion lovers the opportunity to experience the extravaganza as well as check out current styles and fashion trends. To enhance public engagement, an array of interactive experiences empowered by AR and VR technology will be offered at the fairground. Highlights include virtual try-on of outfits specially designed for CENTRESTAGE, as well as “CENTREVERSE”, a custom-built phygital experience that allows visitors to participate in various fashion events virtually and interact using their personalised avatars.

Moreover, a series of fashion-related events and promotions has been staged across Hong Kong, including Central Market, D2 Place and Harbour City, under the CENTRESTAGE in Town citywide campaign to spread the buzz from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to every corner of the city.

We wish you a fruitful and inspiring time at CENTRESTAGE 2022.

Katherine Fang
Chairman
HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee

Margaret Fong
Executive Director
Hong Kong Trade Development Council

May the Force be with US

The collaboration between Vogue Hong Kong and Hong Kong Centrestage has entered its third year, with the themes “A World of Phygital” in 2020, “Chapter Infinity” in 2021 and “Me, Myself & Us” in 2022, reflecting the rapidly changing times over these past three years.

The pandemic drove us to a Phygital lifestyle. Livestream, WFH and Zoom were born, quickly becoming the norm.

Infinity represents possibility. Impossible becomes I'm possible.

This year, we explore D&I - diversity and inclusion - two buzzwords in the fashion industry.

On the runway, models of all shapes, sizes and skin tones are the first step for Diversity. Behind the scenes, the equal participation of different races and genders in the creative process still has a long journey ahead before reaching true Inclusivity.

Diversity, inclusion and acceptance can be seen as far back as 40 years ago, in the legendary movie “Star Wars” by George Lucas. The human Jedi, the almost 1000 year old Yoda, the memorable giant Jabba the Hutt, Chewie, the long-haired Wookie, the controversial Jar Jar Binks and more all coexist across different planets, and are all accepted as who they are.

One figure spearheading the movement towards authentic diversity & inclusion is Rihanna, who has also shown that upholding these values can be a winning business model. The entrepreneur, singer and makeup mogul founded the beauty brand Fenty Beauty with 40 shades of foundation at launch, embracing all different skin tones. She then went on to launch the Savage x Fenty underwear brand, inviting models like the pregnant Slick Woods alongside models with mobility aids and models of varying body types, redefining the standard of beauty and successfully bringing a new and long-awaited change to the fashion industry.

To distinguish “me” and “you” does not need to be a confrontation, but an acceptance. "Us" does not mean all assimilating to the same thing, but rather a sharing - respecting each person's characteristics and accepting each other. Unity can be difficult but it is the source of true strength and potential, and the Force behind everything.

This year, we brings together x brands. I look forward to watching these New Forces of Fashion shining more brightly together, as a united front.

Kat Yeung

Buyers’ Commentary

CENTRESTAGE 2022

Chole Zhang, Managing Director, SUPERMINT, Hong Kong

“SUPERMINT represents more than 50 young designer brands from Asia including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, South Korea, Japan and Thailand. This is our first participation in CENTRE to promote our brands and enhance their international presence. A total of eight brands are highlighted here offering a selection of dresses, casual wear and office suits for ladies as well as accessories like handbags, shoes, jewellery and sunglasses. The feedback is very positive. We’ve already sold some handbags and jewellery items while some customers have expressed interest in our ladies’ wear. The organiser has arranged more than 10 virtual business matching meeting with buyers from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Thailand. We hope to take advantage of this platform to develop new business and extend the international sales and distribution channels for our brands.”

Vincent Leung, Global Head of Digital Brand Marketing, Lenzing Fibers (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong

“Lenzing Group, headquartered in Austria, is a leading supplier of textile fibers with a history of 80 years. We have some 300 brand partners worldwide with particularly strong presence in USA and Europe. We are expanding our presence in Asia and Mainland China, and Hong Kong is a hub in Asia with an edge for businesses’ penetration into Mainland China. Hong Kong’s young fashion designers have strong potential for growth. I’ve already identified two designer brands – ABI of Abi Lau and moonone of Moon Yeung – at CENTRESTAGE this year for collaboration. We will sponsor digital marketing campaign for their new collections using our sustainable fibers. ARTO. of Arto Wong, also exhibiting here, has already collaborated with us and we will explore further cooperation. This fair is a great place to understand the latest market trends and the growth of Hong Kong’s young designers. I hope to see CENTERSTAGE grow bigger and bigger in future.”

Tam Sze Ting, Vivian, Manager, Sawada Hong Kong Co Ltd, Hong Kong

“Sawada Hong Kong focuses on the trading and supply of high-end yarn from Japan. Our parent group, headquartered in Osaka, is an established garment manufacturer with a history of 54 years. We are visiting CENTRESTAGE this year to explore partnership opportunities with local fashion designers. Our yarn is of good quality catering to the needs of high fashion. We’ve found at least two local menswear brands including Sred Namal and VO-YAGE, both of which also produce sweaters. We will conduct further discussions for business development. This fair really opens up new business opportunities for different representatives of the fashion and garment businesses.”

Maggie Lee, Assistant Manager, Sales, Determinant (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong

“Determinant specialises in the design and production of dress shirts for men. Our dress shirts are available in 61 sizes to meet various customers’ needs. We focus on minimal design with advanced functional technology like anti-bacterial, wrinkle-free and water-resistant features. We are selling our shirts through online platform in Hong Kong, and have sales counters in Sogo and elite stores. This is my first visit to CENTRESTAGE. It’s an eye-opening experience with the presence of so many local designers here. I’ve got in touch with local brand YamaGuest and a company representing a Taiwanese menswear brand to explore business cooperation. This fair is a great meeting place for people in the fashion industry and to learn about the newest fashion trends. Determinant will consider exhibiting here next year to promote our brand and our dress shirts to more customers.”

Celia M.S. Lo, Manager, Apparel Department, ITOCHU Textile Prominent (Asia) Limited, Hong Kong

“I am visiting CENTRESTAGE for the second consecutive year to find new designer brands and innovative collections. So far, I have already found two Hong Kong designer brands including voidstudio and V VISSI. I like the creative and avant-garde sweaters and unisex collections of voidstudio. The sustainable fashion design of V VISSI using recycled fabrics also has the appeal. The Thai Ministry of Commerce’s Department of International Trade Promotion has showcased many fashion brands from Thailand with attractive designs. We will explore business development and collaboration with them. The brands may make use of the fabrics we produce and we will study introducing the brands and their collections to the Japanese market. This is a great show that really helps promote Hong Kong designer brands and sets the stage for them to grow internationally. The exhibition venue is well designed and decorated.”

Emily Lai, Director, M2 International Group Limited, Hong Kong

“This is my first-time visit to CENTRESTAGE to look for business cooperation with local designers. My company produces and supplies various kinds of quality uniform for local hospitals and hotels. I am here finding new partners among local designers. Talks are now underway with at least two exhibitors for collaboration in the design and making of uniform. ALPS Annie Ling has experience in uniform design and provides quality wear using anti-bacteria fabrics. Another exhibitor specialises in the design of good quality shirts. We will explore cooperation in the production of uniform shirts. CENTRESTAGE is a great event to help foster local designers and encourage more young designers to showcase their creative ideas. We need to give strong support to youngsters aspiring to develop their career in fashion design. This fair offers a good springboard and is also a good place to learn about the latest market trends.”