HONG KONG | Organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the CCIDA, CENTRESTAGE, the region's annual fashion showcase has concluded successfully.
CENTRESTAGE showcased more than 250 brands from 18 countries and regions, setting a record for brand participation at the event. The four-day physical fair attracted more than 8,500 buyers from 82 countries and regions, significantly increasing buyers from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and more.
The exhibition was temporarily suspended due to the impact of the typhoon. The HKTDC extended the fair's three-day opening hours and proactively encouraged buyers to use the Exhibition+ platform.
"As a pivotal event in Hong Kong's fashion calendar, CENTRESTAGE this year brought together numerous esteemed international brands, including renowned labels such as ROBERT WUN and ROKSANDA,” said Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC.
“The event successfully drew a wide array of local, Mainland China and overseas buyers, with major multi-brand stores like CNTRBND from Canada, VOO Store from Germany, SUGAR s.r.l. from Italy, Carv Store from Japan, 10 CORSO COMO SEOUL from South Korea, and onefifthteen from Taiwan, as well as department stores such as Galeries Lafayette from France and Metro (Private) Limited from Singapore, sending representatives to source and engage in invaluable exchanges with exhibitors at the fair. This solidifies the event's status as an essential platform for fashion trade and brand promotion in Asia."
The HKTDC conducted interviews with around 370 exhibitors and buyers during the event. Findings revealed that 34.8 per cent of respondents expected an increase in sales in the next six to 12 months, while 56.3 percent anticipated that sales would remain unchanged.
Half of the respondents expected an increase in the upcoming year or two, while 44.3 percent anticipated that sales would remain unchanged. Sixty-one percent of respondents identified fluctuations in the global economy as the most significant challenge this year, while 29 percent pointed to fluctuating exchange rates.
At the same time, 36 per cent of respondents viewed rising demand from emerging markets as the major opportunity in 2024. As online procurement continued to gain momentum, 52 percent of respondents said they used both offline and online channels, while 23 percent indicated sole reliance on online sales and sourcing channels.
Many international brands have incorporated accessories into their clothing, with designs that combine style and comfort becoming a trending feature. Survey insights reflected these trends.
Local exhibitor YGM Group showcased its international golf brand ASHWORTH's athleisure apparel at CENTRESTAGE. Its brand manager, Becky Kam, noted that the new zones for athleisure and circular fashion at the fair aligned with market trends and attracted relevant buyers.
"About 20 buyers have approached us, exceeding our expectations. Most buyers are from Singapore and Thailand, with some from the Middle East and Russia. I believe we can reach agreements with eight buyers from Singapore and Thailand, and if we successfully sell the agency licence, it will likely amount to tens of thousands of US dollars."
Iris Ramos, founder of Duxton, a Singapore brand exhibiting with the Singapore Fashion Council, was pleased to see numerous buyers and visitors from Australia, Germany, and Mainland China visit their booth on the first day of the event.
Korean buyer Jonghun Park from Samsung C&T Fashion Group sourced contemporary and avant-garde fashion brands at CENTRESTAGE and identified Italian brand LA HAINE INSIDE US (LH).
Forty fashion shows and events were held over the four days of the exhibition, with the opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, as a highlight. A dedicated exhibition space at CENTRESTAGE showcased Robert Wun’s latest collection, and the designer also hosted a masterclass.
Continuing its practice of cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show this year featured a cinematic approach. Weeds on Fire director Steve Chan presented the fashion narratives of four brands: ANGUS TSUI, röyksopp gakkai, selfFab, and Z I D I.
The Redress Design Award 2024 Grand Final Fashion Show presented the First Prize, Runner-up Prize, People’s Choice, and the Hong Kong Best Prize. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong fashion platform FASHIONALLY showcased the latest collections of five local designer brands, including CHARLOTTE NG STUDIO, From Clothing Of, Lapeewee, IP Axis Studio, and WHY.
Local brands YAMA GUEST, Murfi Lau and Marcch also received accolades for their latest collections during the three fashion presentations at FASHIONALLY.
For the first time, CENTRESTAGE and Salon de TIME, the HKTDC’s concurrent fashion event, were fully open to the public free of charge.
