#MeMyselfAndUs
powered by Vogue Hong Kong
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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
VICTOR CHAN STUDIO
Since the early stages of studying fashion design, Victor Chan has been inspired by the glamour and elegance of bespoke couture dresses from the ‘50s. After graduating, he set out to create his own line of evening and wedding dresses to help women express their own uniqueness during the most precious moments of their life.
1/ What does “diversity” mean to you?
To me, “diversity” is the process of discovering yourself and learning how to embrace your surroundings. It is important to think outside the box and view situations from different perspectives. This will allow you to expand your horizons and creative potential.
2/ How is “diversity” reflected in your latest design?
Incorporating the concept of “diversity” throughout my work has allowed for a more creative design process. For example, I transformed a formal wedding dress into an evening gown by adding customisable detachable garments and adding colour to the design. One garment can be styled in three or four different ways.
3/ How would you define the aesthetic of Victor Chan Studio?
The brand carries a strong passion for contemporary womenswear with sophisticated edge and the desire to experiment. With a focus on craftsmanship, intricate detailing and timeless style, Victor Chan Studio’s signature design element is modern sophistication, focusing on the layering and lightness of the dresses through custom designs. Victor Chan Studio aims to showcase a more creative way of getting dressed.
4/ As a designer, what inspires you the most?
I am always fascinated by fashion throughout history and across different eras. The most influential era to me is the Golden Age Couture in the 1950s. I especially love the incredibly elegant couture dresses by Charles James and Cristóbal Balenciaga. I admire the distinct silhouettes and the exquisite details of their designs, as well as the unique aura exuded by each woman who wore their dresses. Their designs were deeply inspiring and made me fall in love with evening dresses. I have followed this path ever since.
5/ What is the process of custom-made projects? How do you retain the brand's aesthetic while keeping each piece unique to the buyer?
Getting a good understanding of your client’s preferences and interests in the first meeting is key, as well as understanding what kind of silhouette would suit your client best. I always recommend ideas and styles that suit them, and always listen and guide them throughout the journey. I then evolve and modify the designs and details into the most ideal customised creation for them.
6/ In your opinion, what is the significance of wedding gowns for women?
A wedding dress is definitely the most important piece of clothing a woman could ever own. It is part of a pure, one-of-a-kind memory. The most timeless wedding dress is one that stays true to your authentic self, personality and style.