CENTRESTAGE, a fashion event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by CreateHK, an organization under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10 to 12 September 2021.
Official website: https://centrestage.hktdc.com/main/en/
Scenes from the 2021 Press Conference
This year, more than 200 brands from 24 countries and regions around the world will be participating. Of these, 120 brands are from Hong Kong. Approximately 30 events will also be held. What's more, for the first time, the show will be open to the public. Despite travel restrictions to Hong Kong, representatives from foreign brands and industry associations, including the Taiwan Textile Federation, Macau Productivity Technology Transfer Center, Entemoda (EMI), and the Almaty Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, are also participating. In addition, buyers from major international retailers, including 3NY (USA), Encode Fashion (Germany), Bluepin (Thailand), and Runway (Vietnam), as well as Hong Kong retailers Club 21, D-mop, Harvey Nicholas, I.T., and Lane Crawford, and online retailer Furtech, are hosting video meetings. The opening show on the 10th will feature Calvin Chan, Joyce Kung's "The World Is Your Oyster," and Korean designer Lee Mo-yul's "youser" (unfortunately, Lee herself will not be able to attend in person), showcasing the latest 2022 collections to the world. Singer Hins Chan will also add a touch of elegance to the show. The event will be streamed live using AR on Center Stage's official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
CENTRESTAGE ELITES Opening Gala Show 2021 – Director’s Cut
https://youtu.be/wHyce7Oe3DI
Official website: https://centrestage.hktdc.com/main/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HKTDC.Exhibition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hktdclifestyle/
In addition, the 2021 Hong Kong Fashion Summit, a forum themed on sustainable development in the fashion industry, will be held on the 9th and 10th. On the 11th, Redress, a Hong Kong NGO promoting sustainable fashion, will make a presentation for the Redress Design Award 2021, with the theme of "Designing for the Future." The award is the world's largest sustainable fashion design competition. Hong Kong brand Sparkle Collection by Karen Chan will present their latest collection in collaboration with Dorian Ho.
Commenting on the event, Benjamin Chau, Senior Vice President of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said, "Last year's event was held virtually, but we are pleased that this year we are able to overcome various constraints and hold a physical event, inviting many up-and-coming designers and brands from Asia and around the world. We have prepared a number of promotional opportunities for talented designers to show their latest collections to buyers and fashionistas. This will be particularly meaningful for the many designers who have faced difficult circumstances due to the pandemic. We are confident that they will show us fresh ideas and innovative creations for the new environment."
Scenes from CENTRESTAGE 2021
Fashion Headline conducted email interviews with participating designers to hear their enthusiasm.
The questions for each designer are as follows.
1. In addition to the theme of this collection, please tell us what you value in design.
The theme of this collection is "Melange Club." The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed everything, and clubs have been closed. However, we cannot lose club culture. "Melange" means "to mix," and in this imaginary club, I want to express a mix of cultures, races, and genders.
When I design, I try to focus on diversity and take a hybrid approach. This collection also features many details that allow for "mixing" of clothes. This is the essence of our brand. In this show, we also presented many combinations of jackets and vests, as well as shirts and T-shirts.
2. What message did you convey through the clothes for a time after COVID-19 has subsided?
When deciding on the concept for this season, I tried to paint a story of a positive future. I used airports as motifs for SS21 and clubs for SS22 because both are places that people can no longer visit due to COVID-19. At the same time, I also wanted to convey the message that this difficult time will eventually end. That's why I used witty and humorous graphics.
3. Please tell us about sustainability in the fashion industry and in your own design process. Please also include any initiatives related to the SDGs.
We actively use deadstock fabrics, which naturally makes it impossible to mass-produce our products. Although deadstock fabrics are high-quality, they are often unused due to the time that has passed since they were produced. We strive to revive such fabrics without discarding them. We continue to work hard to improve the global environment and create clothes that can be passed down to others. This requires traditional elements and quality. Brand designer Lee Mo-yol is also a member of the sustainable brand project "GEESOC." In this project, four aspiring designers manufacture and sell bags using leftover fabric, donating the proceeds to "SAVE THE CHILDREN."
4. What are the characteristics of the Hong Kong market and what do you think are the advantages of launching a brand here?
I'm not yet familiar with the Hong Kong market, but it is receptive to foreign brands, making it easy for new designer brands to enter the market. Since 2018, Harvey Nicholas, Lane Crawford, and I.T. have selected youuser. At the time, youuser was available in Europe as a small, independent store.
By participating in CENTRESTAGE, I was able to learn about Hong Kong brands, and I was amazed by their creativity. They pursue an urban image while firmly grasping their own brand identity. At the same time, they have succeeded in capturing Hong Kong's unique and attractive atmosphere. It's interesting that Hong Kong is also proud of its designers. I hope that Hong Kong brands will become active globally.
5. Please tell us your thoughts on the Japanese market and fashion creativity.
Japan has produced many world-class designers and brands and has set trends, and the Japanese market respects the creativity of designers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, youruser was sold in several select shops, and they saw the potential of our creative designs in the Japanese market. Now, due to COVID-19, transactions have been suspended and opportunities to meet new buyers have been lost, but we hope to be able to expand into the Japanese market again.
＞Continued from NEXT, an interview with SUN=SEN
Official website: https://centrestage.hktdc.com/main/en/
Scenes from the 2021 Press ConferenceOvercoming the Pandemic and Creating Industry Connections
This year, more than 200 brands from 24 countries and regions around the world will be participating. Of these, 120 brands are from Hong Kong. Approximately 30 events will also be held. What's more, for the first time, the show will be open to the public. Despite travel restrictions to Hong Kong, representatives from foreign brands and industry associations, including the Taiwan Textile Federation, Macau Productivity Technology Transfer Center, Entemoda (EMI), and the Almaty Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, are also participating. In addition, buyers from major international retailers, including 3NY (USA), Encode Fashion (Germany), Bluepin (Thailand), and Runway (Vietnam), as well as Hong Kong retailers Club 21, D-mop, Harvey Nicholas, I.T., and Lane Crawford, and online retailer Furtech, are hosting video meetings. The opening show on the 10th will feature Calvin Chan, Joyce Kung's "The World Is Your Oyster," and Korean designer Lee Mo-yul's "youser" (unfortunately, Lee herself will not be able to attend in person), showcasing the latest 2022 collections to the world. Singer Hins Chan will also add a touch of elegance to the show. The event will be streamed live using AR on Center Stage's official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
CENTRESTAGE ELITES Opening Gala Show 2021 – Director’s Cut
https://youtu.be/wHyce7Oe3DI
Official website: https://centrestage.hktdc.com/main/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HKTDC.Exhibition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hktdclifestyle/
In addition, the 2021 Hong Kong Fashion Summit, a forum themed on sustainable development in the fashion industry, will be held on the 9th and 10th. On the 11th, Redress, a Hong Kong NGO promoting sustainable fashion, will make a presentation for the Redress Design Award 2021, with the theme of "Designing for the Future." The award is the world's largest sustainable fashion design competition. Hong Kong brand Sparkle Collection by Karen Chan will present their latest collection in collaboration with Dorian Ho.
Commenting on the event, Benjamin Chau, Senior Vice President of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said, "Last year's event was held virtually, but we are pleased that this year we are able to overcome various constraints and hold a physical event, inviting many up-and-coming designers and brands from Asia and around the world. We have prepared a number of promotional opportunities for talented designers to show their latest collections to buyers and fashionistas. This will be particularly meaningful for the many designers who have faced difficult circumstances due to the pandemic. We are confident that they will show us fresh ideas and innovative creations for the new environment."
Scenes from CENTRESTAGE 2021Fashion Headline conducted email interviews with participating designers to hear their enthusiasm.
The questions for each designer are as follows.
1. In addition to the theme of this collection, please tell us what you value in your designs.
2. What message did you put into your clothes for the post-COVID era?
3. Please tell us about sustainability in the fashion industry and in your own design process. If you are working towards the SDGs, please include that as well.
4. What are the characteristics of the Hong Kong market and what do you think are the advantages of launching your brand here?
5. Please tell us your thoughts on the Japanese market and fashion creativity.
2. What message did you put into your clothes for the post-COVID era?
3. Please tell us about sustainability in the fashion industry and in your own design process. If you are working towards the SDGs, please include that as well.
4. What are the characteristics of the Hong Kong market and what do you think are the advantages of launching your brand here?
5. Please tell us your thoughts on the Japanese market and fashion creativity.
youser
1. In addition to the theme of this collection, please tell us what you value in design.
The theme of this collection is "Melange Club." The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed everything, and clubs have been closed. However, we cannot lose club culture. "Melange" means "to mix," and in this imaginary club, I want to express a mix of cultures, races, and genders.
When I design, I try to focus on diversity and take a hybrid approach. This collection also features many details that allow for "mixing" of clothes. This is the essence of our brand. In this show, we also presented many combinations of jackets and vests, as well as shirts and T-shirts.
2. What message did you convey through the clothes for a time after COVID-19 has subsided?
When deciding on the concept for this season, I tried to paint a story of a positive future. I used airports as motifs for SS21 and clubs for SS22 because both are places that people can no longer visit due to COVID-19. At the same time, I also wanted to convey the message that this difficult time will eventually end. That's why I used witty and humorous graphics.
3. Please tell us about sustainability in the fashion industry and in your own design process. Please also include any initiatives related to the SDGs.
We actively use deadstock fabrics, which naturally makes it impossible to mass-produce our products. Although deadstock fabrics are high-quality, they are often unused due to the time that has passed since they were produced. We strive to revive such fabrics without discarding them. We continue to work hard to improve the global environment and create clothes that can be passed down to others. This requires traditional elements and quality. Brand designer Lee Mo-yol is also a member of the sustainable brand project "GEESOC." In this project, four aspiring designers manufacture and sell bags using leftover fabric, donating the proceeds to "SAVE THE CHILDREN."
4. What are the characteristics of the Hong Kong market and what do you think are the advantages of launching a brand here?
I'm not yet familiar with the Hong Kong market, but it is receptive to foreign brands, making it easy for new designer brands to enter the market. Since 2018, Harvey Nicholas, Lane Crawford, and I.T. have selected youuser. At the time, youuser was available in Europe as a small, independent store.
By participating in CENTRESTAGE, I was able to learn about Hong Kong brands, and I was amazed by their creativity. They pursue an urban image while firmly grasping their own brand identity. At the same time, they have succeeded in capturing Hong Kong's unique and attractive atmosphere. It's interesting that Hong Kong is also proud of its designers. I hope that Hong Kong brands will become active globally.
5. Please tell us your thoughts on the Japanese market and fashion creativity.
Japan has produced many world-class designers and brands and has set trends, and the Japanese market respects the creativity of designers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, youruser was sold in several select shops, and they saw the potential of our creative designs in the Japanese market. Now, due to COVID-19, transactions have been suspended and opportunities to meet new buyers have been lost, but we hope to be able to expand into the Japanese market again.
＜YOUSER＞
The designer is Lee Mooyeol. He majored in fashion design at SADI (Samsung Art and Design Institute) and founded his own brand, "youser," in 2011. It is characterized by deconstructed, contemporary designs inspired by subculture and art. The brand debuted at Milan Fashion Week in SS20. With showrooms in Paris, Shanghai, and Seoul, it continues to expand globally. Lee Mooyeol has been named to the "Seoul 10" at Seoul Fashion Week for three consecutive years since 2018, and was selected as Best Designer by CFDK in 2020.
The designer is Lee Mooyeol. He majored in fashion design at SADI (Samsung Art and Design Institute) and founded his own brand, "youser," in 2011. It is characterized by deconstructed, contemporary designs inspired by subculture and art. The brand debuted at Milan Fashion Week in SS20. With showrooms in Paris, Shanghai, and Seoul, it continues to expand globally. Lee Mooyeol has been named to the "Seoul 10" at Seoul Fashion Week for three consecutive years since 2018, and was selected as Best Designer by CFDK in 2020.
＞Continued from NEXT, an interview with SUN=SEN
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