Hong Kong’s annual premier fashion event, CENTRESTAGE, kicked off with a spectacular opening gala, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, on September 2, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The event, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), showcased over 30 new creations by KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist Kit Wan. The runway presentation, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, featured futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics that pushed the boundaries of fashion design.
KIT WAN STUDIOS has established a formidable reputation by designing “stage armour” for international artists at prestigious events such as the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and Eurovision in the United Kingdom. The studio’s collaborative roster includes prominent Hong Kong artists like Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. By bringing Hong Kong design to global stages, Kit Wan is not only elevating the city’s fashion industry but also reinforcing its position as a cultural bridge between East and West. The debut of over 30 brand-new looks at CENTRESTAGE ELITES marks a significant milestone for the studio, with select pieces on display at the fairground (Booth No.: 3D-D06) throughout the four-day event.
The gala was graced by Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, as the Guest of Honour. A constellation of celebrities, artists, and fashion heavyweights attended, underscoring the event’s importance in the regional fashion calendar. The After Party featured live performances by renowned Hong Kong electronic musician hirsk and Belgian model and musician Kim Peers, adding to the night’s allure. 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.
CENTRESTAGE, a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, is open to both industry professionals and the public free of charge from September 2 to 5. The fair features over 40 captivating events, including more than 30 runway shows and parades. On 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 his brand into overseas markets. This discussion is expected to provide valuable perspectives for local and international designers looking to navigate the global fashion industry.
The implications of this event extend beyond the runway. CENTRESTAGE and Hong Kong Fashion Fest, with its theme “Rhythm of the Heart,” are part of a broader initiative announced in the 2023 Policy Address to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. By consolidating various fashion design events and introducing innovative elements, the festival aims to promote Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and boost its position as a prime destination for hosting mega cultural and creative events. The inclusion of KIT WAN STUDIOS, a homegrown talent with international acclaim, exemplifies the event’s goal of fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and showcasing Hong Kong’s creative capital.
For those unable to attend in person, the organisers arranged livestreams across multiple official platforms, ensuring global access to the spectacular performance. The live stream can be viewed on the CENTRESTAGE website, and highlights are available on the CENTRESTAGE Instagram and HKTDC YouTube channel. As CENTRESTAGE continues through September 5, the event is set to attract industry players from all over the world, fostering collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities that will resonate across the fashion industry.
