CENTRESTAGE 2020 marks the fifth iteration of one of Asia’s premier fashion events. For the first time, the annual spectacle is taking place online, integrating imagination with technology to offer a digital experience and open up new possibilities for the industry.
The theme, ‘A World of Phygital’, highlights the creative combination of physical and digital elements in a fashion event that responds to prevailing circumstances. Free of spatial and temporal constraints, the new format enables buyers and fashionistas to view the latest designs anytime, anywhere while helping designers gain broader exposure and foster connections.
A total of 240 international designer labels and fashion brands are showcased. In the spotlight is a series of six virtual runway shows to be premiered to a worldwide audience. Designers’ latest collections are featured on an interactive digital platform jointly developed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and our digital content partner Vogue Hong Kong.
Our thanks also go to Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, for its continued support to the local fashion community.
I hope CENTRESTAGE 2020 will offer a new experience that excites both established and emerging fashion designers as well as brings fresh perspectives to the industry as a whole.
A new world is, naturally, defined by new boundaries. Phygital is at the forefront of it all. The term represents the hybrid of a physical and digital experience, and the way of life going forward. Fashion, which has long encapsulated the best of creativity, emotional resonance and passion, is also entering this Phygital era.
CENTRESTAGE, which has been supporting both Hong Kong’s and international amazing creatives in the fashion industry, is proud to be on this journey by presenting A World of Phygital - putting our designers at the forefront of this experience. Watching a new generation of designers exploring sense and sensibility in this Phygital age creates a reality with a utopian vision. Those who dare to dream are able to create and shape their reality!
Vogue Hong Kong is proud to be part of the conversation and connection with our fashion community. The world may be filled with uncertainties, but the spirit of creativity and passion will triumph against all odds. Let us make the brave new world, a better world!
”Despite all the difficulties under COVID-19, I am very impressed by how quickly CENTRESTAGE lived up to this historic challenge, enabling us to come together and be inspired by the latest fashion trends.”
“I am not only thrilled to see how quickly CENTRESTAGE has adapted to the current global situation, but I am also delighted to see the exciting variety of designers available on the digital platform.
In addition, the digital fashion shows allowed us to perfectly bridge this year's physical constraint and lifted our anticipation of a hopefully personal meeting at fairground in the coming season.”
“In times of lock downs, keeping abreast of new trends and brands is really difficult for buyers. That is why I am more than happy to be invited by the HKTDC to view their selected fashion shows at CENTRESTAGE 2020, exploring fashion market trends in Asia and beyond at my home desk.”
“I appreciate CENTERSTAGE’s strong passion to support design talents in hard times like this right now. This new digital platform to promote fashion, brands, designers serves as an actual digital bridge which we all have been waiting for, allowing us to stay connected with the market trends outside our home offices.
CENTERSTAGE online was not only perfectly curated to capture the essence of fashion creatives across different categories, it also enabled reaching out to those fashion talents we could not have discovered on our own, especially during this lock-down bubble.”
“At first, I was perplexed about the virtual format but I found several positive points in the end. Since I could not watch the shows live due to agenda constraints, this format allowed me to enjoy them whenever I wanted, view again and again, and share the links with others. This is very convenient. Also, I found that CENTRESTAGE went all out to be creative. It still could not beat the physical experience, but it showed great creativity and imagination. I was amazed at what HKTDC and designers were able to produce. It was a very nice experience. I liked the FASHIONALLY show very much for the mood and ambience as well as the amazing and grand setting!”
“CENTRESTAGE 2020 going digital completely met my expectations. I think it is very hard for a virtual event to generate the kind of energy and excitement of a physical show but I have to say CENTRESTAGE really succeeded in doing this fantastically.”
“Overall, the experience was better than expected. Especially the ability to really to be able to see the designers’ collections without any distractions. Since it was digital, you were able to view the shows as many times as you liked to see the garment details. I also enjoyed the virtual background surrounding the runway shows. I thought it was very futuristic.”
“Given the pandemic this year, the phygital runways at CENTRESTAGE online was quite a different experience from physical shows in previous years. What struck me most was the seamless integration of a convenient virtual platform and a stage setting with multi-angles, allowing us to learn about the latest fashion trends.
I was especially impressed by the Next in Cheongsam fashion show. The opening parade showcased a perfect blend of fashion and facemasks, urging everyone to wear masks during the epidemic to protect themselves and the others.
I look forward to visiting Hong Kong to participate in CENTRESTAGE next year to appreciate fashion shows through physical exhibition and to learn more about new designer brands. Compared to a virtual platform.”
“As a result of the pandemic, CENTRESTAGE migrated to the online platform and has brought a very good experience on viewing the virtual fashion shows. The designs and models of each show merged seamlessly with the backgrounds, completed with strong creativity and outstanding design concepts. I felt like viewing physical shows. The fashion shows were so fascinating. It could be even better if everything moved along at a slower pace. The trailer was also very inspiring. I look forward to visiting CENTRESTAGE next year.”
“It is quite a new experience. For offline or physical runway shows, you can only see the models and collections from one particular angle on your seat. However, I can see them from various angles for online runaway shows this time. I like the “Hong Kong en Vogue” show for their nice collections. Also, the CENTRESTAGE setting was awesome, showcasing different perspectives of the designers' creativity.”