The annual CENTRESTAGE fashion event kicked off with a dazzling display of futuristic design as KIT WAN STUDIOS took the spotlight at the CENTRESTAGE ELITES opening gala. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 2, the show presented over 30 brand-new looks that seamlessly merged artistic creation with fashion, set against the iconic Victoria Harbour backdrop. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), is a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which runs from September 1 to 14.
Kit Wan, a Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist, led the multidisciplinary design studio behind the collection. Known for designing “stage armour” for artists at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision, Wan’s work has brought Hong Kong design to global stages. The studio’s collaborative roster includes prominent local artists such as Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. The CENTRESTAGE ELITES runway showcased the studio’s signature sci-fi aesthetics, with select pieces on display at the fairground (Booth No.: 3D-D06) throughout the four-day event.
The opening night attracted a constellation of celebrities, artists, and fashion heavyweights, with Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, serving as Guest of Honour. Following the runway show, an After Party featured live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition zone showcased seven iconic stage costumes previously designed by KIT WAN STUDIOS for artists like Hins Cheung and Miriam Yeung, highlighting the studio’s deep ties with Hong Kong’s music scene.
This year’s CENTRESTAGE is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge, featuring over 40 captivating events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. On Friday, September 4, Kit Wan will personally attend the fair for a dialogue with Dan Hastings, Editor of The Business of Fashion, to share insights on creative inspiration and expanding the brand into overseas markets.
The implications of this event extend beyond the runway. As a flagship programme of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, CENTRESTAGE underscores Hong Kong’s ambition to become Asia’s fashion design hub. The choice of KIT WAN STUDIOS as the central showcase reinforces the city’s commitment to nurturing local creative talent and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. By presenting Hong Kong design on an international platform, the event aims to boost Hong Kong’s positioning as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, attracting global industry players and fostering business opportunities.
The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, continues to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. With over 50 offices globally, the council organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for SMEs. The CCIDA, established in June 2024, provides one-stop services to support the cultural and creative sectors, focusing on nurturing talent, facilitating start-ups, and promoting industrialization.
For those unable to attend in person, the Organiser arranged livestreams across multiple official platforms. More information about CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Fashion Fest, and related events can be found on the CENTRESTAGE website and Fashion Hong Kong. The event’s Instagram page (@centrestage_hktdc) also provides updates and highlights.
