Hong Kong CENTRESTAGE 2016 ELITES, China

To further showcase Hong Kong as an international fashion capital, the inaugural CENTRESTAGE, a brand new fashion promotion and launch platform, was held from 7 to 10 September 2016, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the trade show feature some 200 fashion brands from 20 countries and regions, as well as more than 50 spectacular events, including the large-scale opening gala fashion show CENTRESTAGE ELITES and around 30 other fashion shows. There also be designer sharing sessions, industry seminars, networking events and more.

“Shooting Stars” is the theme of the inaugural CENTRESTAGE, which includes four thematic zones: GLAM, ALLURE, METRO and FORWARD. The participating countries and regions, include the Chinese mainland, Chinese Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, the United States and Europe.

CENTRESTAGE ELITES was held on 7 September, the hottest rising stars in Asia, namely Mim Mak from Hong Kong, Simon Gao from Beijing, Ko Taeyong from Seoul and Pongsak Suprratccheep & Thita Kamonnetsawat from Bangkok, display their latest collections for Spring/Summer 2017. Top models including Angie Ng and Kiki Kang are invited to present designer collections at this spectacular fashion extravaganza.

CENTRESTAGE ELITES
A large-scale fashion parade entitled CENTRESTAGE ELITES was staged on 7 September. Top models showcase the latest fashion collections from four of the hottest design units in Asia for what promises to be a spectacular fashion extravaganza.

Asian designers have been ascending the international fashion ladder along with the rise of Asian culture and trend. The CENTRESTAGE organised in Hong Kong this early September provided a novel platform that was perfect for buyers, media and fashion industry during the 4-day trade exhibition. As a highlight of the CENTRESTAGE, a major new fashion spectacular CENTRESTAGE ELITES, showcased the Spring/Summer 2017 collections from four rising stars in Asia, namely Mim Mak from Hong Kong, Simon Gao from Beijing, Ko Taeyong from Seoul and Pongsak Suprratccheep & Thita Kamonnetsawat from Bangkok.

A rising star on the Hong Kong fashion scene, Mim Mak, was the winner of the Party & Eveningwear and the Overall categories at the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2012 (YDC). In the same year, Ms Mak set up her own label, HANG, and took up an internship with ATSURO TAYAMA’s Tokyo Studio where she gained more inspiration for her collections. The graphic design major is best known for combining asymmetrical shapes and contrasting colours into classic tailoring, straddling the line between the fashion-forward and the practical.

Mim Mak from Hong Kong presented HANG’s latest collection with logistics concept – elements of the industry routine such as packing tape, barcode, “Fragile” notes and waist bags – were consolidated into clean cutting couture. Mak‘s design with structure as the essence of her design, she plays with mixing fabrics such as satin and other special garments, infusing in the concept on the sheer parkas, high-waisted culottes and evening wear.

Beijing-based designer Simon Gao and his avant-garde label SIMONGAO released the Kung Fu Disco-themed SS17 collection, combining glamorous and feminine temperament with powerful style. The elongated boxer ropes, skinny leather top, and cropped jackets were bold in colour, bringing out the strong, sexy and reverent retro chic.

Simon Gao from Beijing is one of the hottest fashion designers from the Chinese mainland. Launching his eponymous label in 2012, Mr Gao has presented his collections at a number of major fashion weeks around the world. His avant-garde works exude modern glamour that befits the personality of the strong modern woman.

As the youngest designer to take part in Seoul Fashion Week, Ko Taeyong is one of Asia’s most promising designers, earning the Korea Fashion Brand Award and Seoul Top 10 Designer Awards. His collection, beyond closet, is the meeting point of youthful exuberance, bold contemporary flair and time-honoured tradition.

Ko Taeyong and his emerging label Beyond Closet are the meeting point of vibrant youth, contemporary essence and classic apparels – great match of cold and warm colours, preppy style with sophisticated detailing, destroyed pants with sleek tops – the smart moves give rise to the label from K-fashion to international fashion stage.

Husband and wife team Pongsak Suprratccheep and Thita Kamonnetsawat are the creative brains behind the sought-after Thai fashion label, Rotsaniyom WHITE LABEL. The label’s design philosophy focuses on the delicate state of emotion and vulnerability, while retaining the casual ease of ready-to-wear. By combining delicate lace designs with intricate stitching and needlework with loose-fitting tailoring, the designers create collections of beautifully flowing forms.

Acclaimed fashion label from Thailand, rotsaniyom WHITE LABEL, is co-founded by married couple Pongsak Suprratccheep and Thita Kamonnetsawat. Their dreamy collection comes with white and sheer ruffles, lace and mesh fabrics. The beautifully flowing garments are pure and gothic in some sense, demonstrating their design philosophy “an individual imperfect beauty ideal”.

CENTRESTAGE 2016
The inaugural CENTRESTAGE feature some 200 fashion brands and four thematic zones: GLAM, ALLURE, METRO and FORWARD. GLAM bring together top international brands that embody fashion of the highest quality. ALLURE showcase sophisticated designs that captivate the senses. METRO present trendy and sporty designs for cosmopolites. FORWARD feature up-and-coming labels and budding fashion talents from Hong Kong and around the region.

Hong Kong CENTRESTAGE is Asia’s premier fashion event, offering a promotion platform for fashion brands and designers to showcase their talent. Events such fashion shows, designer sharing sessions, open talks, trend analyses and networking opportunities, with the objective of connecting local brands with the global fashion industry.

CENTRESTAGE feature multiple fashion shows and brand showcases to provide a platform for international labels to promote their latest collections. The HKTDC also organise networking events and trend seminars during the show, and invite seasoned industry professionals and experts to analyse the latest market trends in fashion.

The Hong Kong CENTRESTAGE showcase of high-calibre local and overseas fashion talents, and exciting, engaging events was held during the show period. It has created a fashion extravaganza that enables brands to overcome geographical and time limitations to showcase their latest designs to buyers and fashionistas.

CENTRESTAGE to provide a comprehensive promotional platform through which Asian fashion brands and budding designers can launch and present their latest fashion collections and connect with global buyers and fashionistas at the same time. A greater number of local and international fashion brands participating at this year’s CENTRESTAGE, underscoring the event’s position as Asia’s leading launch and marketing platform for fashion brands and highlighting its ability to create diverse business opportunities.

HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room.