Ayra Wang
Exhibitors expressed satisfaction with foot traffic on the opening day of Centrestage Hong Kong 2024, aiming to connect with more international buyers.
The annual Asian fashion exhibition, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council since 2016, began yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, showcasing more than 250 brands from 18 countries.
Sophia Chong Suk-fan, the council’s deputy executive director, said that the number of exhibitors has “shattered previous records,” emphasizing that the event will boost the local creative industry.
“The exhibition will create new business opportunities in the fashion sector and invigorate our mega event economy,” Chong said.
She said the synergistic effect of the ongoing Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, which is also taking place at the center, is to further advance local creative industries.
The four-day event, running until Saturday, is open to industry buyers and the public at no charge, provided they pre-register.
It features five zones, including Athleisure and Circular Fashion, reflecting current trends in sportswear and sustainability, as well as Craftsmanship, Contemporary and Urban zones.
Attendees can also enjoy fashion shows, sharing sessions and forums throughout the event.
Cherry Leong from Earlyink, a Macau-based accessory design shop, said that this is their second time participating in the event, which has allowed them to reach more overseas buyers.
“Many international visitors come to Hong Kong exhibitions, giving us opportunities to connect with global wholesalers,” she told The Standard.
Leong is pleased with foot traffic and sales, saying she managed to attract interest from a Dubai retailer for a potential collaboration.
Sandy Lai, founder of local waterwear brand 35 Degrees, is participating for the first time, hoping to expand beyond Hong Kong.
“This event helps us, as a brand that is only three months old, connect with more buyers and we’ve seen interest from retailers looking to buy for their personal use as well,” Lai said. “We’re thrilled with our performance so far and have been busy on the first day.”
Wells Chow, representing local bag brand Moral Bags, said that visitor flow has met expectations as the company seeks new business partners.
“We’ve already spoken with six to seven wholesalers this morning, half of whom are from overseas,” Chow said.
Local designer Mandy Luk, founder of clothing brand Wready, sees the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to increase her brand’s exposure across various sectors.
