Centrestage 2018 sees 2.4% increase in buyer attendance

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Sep 12, 2018

One of Asia largest apparel and accessories tradeshows, Centrestage concluded its four-day 2018 edition on September 8, recording an increase in buyer attendance figures, compared to the previous year.

The Hong Kong-held tradeshow said 8,700 buyers attended the event in 2018, a 2.4% increase on last year.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the industry event, in its third year, attracted buyers from over 80 countries with Canada, France, Germany, India, Korea, Russia, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates increasing in number "significantly."

Buyers from Asia accounted for 35% of the total, added the HKTDC, in a press release.

"In its third edition, this year's Centrestage attracted many global brands and buyers to participate," said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau.

"An increased number of overseas buyers came looking for business opportunities and talents, which solidified Hong Kong's position as Asia's fashion capital."

Centrestage 2018 adopted the theme "Tomorrow Lab", with three thematic zones showcasing 230 brands from 22 countries and regions.

More than half of the fashion traders said they expect steady sales in 2019, according to a survey undertaken during the conference.

Interviewing more than 300 exhibitors and buyers, the survey found that the industry is cautiously optimistic about sales in the coming year. Nearly 60% of the respondents expect overall sales to remain steady, and about 30% expect growth.

The event also presented some 40 activities over its four-day schedule, including more than 20 fashion shows.

Japanese streetwear label Facetasm, Hong Kong womenswear label Idism, and Chinese luxury label Ms Min presented their latest 2019 Spring/Summer collections at the opening gala show Centrestage Elites.

At the Fashionally Collection #12 and Fashionally Presentation shows, 13 newcomer local designer brands showed 2019 Spring/Summer collections.

Other collections were also paraded by local established brands including Dorian Ho, Artistic Palace, Harrison Wong, House of V, and Loom Loop.