Centrestage, the promotion and launch platform for top international and Asian fashion brands and designers organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is being held during September 6-9, 2017. Following its debut last year, the widely acclaimed show returns this year featuring over 210 fashion brands from 22 countries and regions.

The show will stage about 40 fashion, including CENTRESTAGE ELITES, the opening gala fashion show, some 20 fashion shows, as well as designer sharing sessions, an industry forum, trend forecast seminars and networking activities.

HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau noted that the inaugural Centrestage served to spotlight fashion brands and designer collections and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s fashion capital. “It was a delight that the first Centrestage received such widespread and enthusiastic support both at home and from overseas,” said Chau. “Being one of the celebration activities for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, this year’s show will feature spectacular activities, attracting more than 210 fashion brands presenting designs from all over the world.” He added that the global fashion designs, fashion shows and networking activities at the event would generate strong interest from buyers, fashion media, as well as fashion lovers.

Under the theme “Nouveau Playhouse,” this year’s Centrestage will feature three thematic zones: Glam, Allure and metro, highlighting fashion brands from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Australia, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others. Numerous local brands will also join the show, including anagram, Angus Tsui, DORISKATH, HARRISON WONG, House of V, izzue, KENAXLEUNG and LOOM LOOP.

About 20 fashion shows will be held during Centrestage. On the first evening, the large-scale opening gala fashion show, Centrestage Elites, will showcase the 2018 spring/summer collections of Kain Picken and Fiona Lau’s FFIXXED STUDIOS, as well as Korean designer Juun J, who is staging his namesake brand’s first runway show in Hong Kong. Juun J's first-ever show in Hong Kong is made possible with the collaboration of his brand's partner Joyce and the HKTDC.

Following Centrestage Elites, the “Fasion Hong Kong” Runway Show will present the 2018 Pre-Spring and spring/summer collections of six local brands: HARRISON WONG (designer: Harrison Wong), KENAXLEUNG (designer: Kenax Leung), LOOM LOOP (designer: Polly Ho), DORISKATH (designer: Doris Kath Chan), Maison Vermillion (designer: Dora Chu), and HOUSE OF V (designer: Vickie Au).

Also on the first day, online fashion hub Fashionally will feature its FASHIONALLY Collection #10 fashion show, where 10 rising local fashion designers will collaborate to highlight Hong Kong’s design prowess.

Another highlight of this year’s Centrestage will be the finals of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2017 (YDC). Over the years, the YDC has paved the way for many fine designers in the local fashion industry and nurtured Hong Kong designer brands. This year’s event will see 15 shortlisted young fashion designers competing for the top three awards, the Best Footwear Design Award and the newly established New Talent Award.

In addition, the Knitwear Innovation and Design Society will organise the Knitwear Symphony 2017 and the seventh Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers’ Contest, while the fashion environmental NGO Redress will stage the grand final show of the EcoChic Design Award 2017. The Hong Kong Footwear Design Competition, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear and co-organised by the HKTDC, will also uncover more local design talent during Centrestage.

Local brands such as izzue and Ika Butoni will also stage fashion shows to unveil their latest collections.

Apart from fashion shows, the HKTDC will once again invite experts from WGSN, Pantone and Fashion Snoops to forecast the coming year’s fashion and retail trends.
The inaugural Fashion Summit (HK) 2017, to be held concurrently, is expected to be the first large-scale summit in Asia on fashion sustainability. Under the theme “Zero Impact,” the two-day conference will gather industry experts to discuss hot industry topics.

To extend the fashion buzz to the wider community, the HKTDC has launched the Hong Kong in Fashion citywide campaign from August 15 to September 30. More than 90 fashionable activities organised in collaboration with more than 100 partners, including high-end hotels, shopping malls, fashion boutiques, restaurants and design institutes, will be staged around town, spreading the glamour of Centrestage across the city.

During September 2-3, Hong Kong in Fashion will host a two-day Fashion Avenue Fest at Wan Chai’s iconic Lee Tung Avenue. Members of the public can take part in a series of creative workshops and enjoy discounts at numerous shops over the weekend. The HKTDC will also organise Centrestage Fashion Street Parade for the public to appreciate the fashion designs of local design institutes and homegrown fashion brands.

On September 9, the closing day, Centrestage will become “Openstage” and welcome public visitors aged 12 and above free of charge. The event will allow members of the public the chance to experience this major international fashion event and to check out the latest designs from leading brands. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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