#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
FEMANCE
“Femance” can be interpreted as the female version of “Bromance” and signifies the friendship and intrinsic understanding between women. Angel Tam and Celia Ng’s decade-long “femance” has evolved into something new. Together, the pair have designed handbags made from eco-friendly materials as a way to further explore their friendship with the planet.
1/ What does ‘diversity’ mean to you?
Diversity to me means understanding that humans are unique, and to accept differences in races, genders, cultures, voices, etc. To truly embrace diversity, we need to step out of the boundaries set by mainstream society and avoid following trends just for the sake of it.
2/ How is ‘diversity’ reflected in your latest designs?
I’ve always wanted to invite artisans with traditional skills from different countries to collaborate, creating a collection of handbags that are also art pieces. Arts and crafts define the cultural layers of a community and race. I’d like to combine traditional handmade crafts with fashion to preserve and strengthen traditions from different cultures.
3/ How would you define the aesthetic of Femance?
A harmonious, minimal and timeless blend of art and fashion.
4/ As designers, what inspires you the most?
I usually take inspiration from art and nature, especially when I am travelling. The fluidity and smooth contours of nature has always inspired me, like waves, tree rings, dunes, etc. These represent the most natural form and bring a sense of harmony through their smooth and curvy silhouettes. I want to bring this concept in my designs and turn it into a functional form.
5/ What are the qualities that make handbags “stand the test of time”, and how are they reflected in the latest collection of Femance?
Quality and uniqueness are essential. Environmental awareness is also crucial, and this is something that has increased dramatically over the past few years. Sustainability is an indispensable part of a product or brand that will help it stand the test of time. This is one of the reasons we introduced a sustainable collection as one of our core collections.
6/ The brand has introduced recycled materials to the latest collections, can we expect more sustainability collections in the future?
We’ll definitely continue working on our sustainable line since it’s an essential part of our brand. Moving forward and as we further embrace diversity, we aim to offer wider options for customers from different groups with different preferences. We’ll keep experimenting with new materials in the future.