Centrestage: Fashion universe expands into the digital world

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Centrestage returns for the 2022 edition with brand new interactive digital experiences

Beyond tapping into the latest technology to create and design, the fashion world is embracing the interactive metaverse trend. Centrestage is driving this trend as part of its three-day event beginning September 9. 

Over 240 brands from 15 countries and regions will gather at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 1A-C as part of the annual fashion extravaganza. Hosting over 30 events under the roof, the headlining event will be the Centrestage Elites opening gala show featuring the latest collections from the local brand DEMO and Children of the discordance from Japan. It will be live-streamed via Centrestage’s website.

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In addition, 20 fashion shows will be conducted, including a series of brand and designer collection shows, serving as a platform for a diverse range of designers to shine and showcase their creations. 

Open to the public and buyers, this year’s Centrestage incorporates elements of virtual exhibitions and augmented reality and virtual reality experiences for those who attend physically and remotely.  

As the fashion world quickly embraces the metaverse, Centrestage takes the opportunity to create one at this year’s show. Visitors could wander around Centerverse, the connected world of fashion through VR technology onsite. 

Centreverse is an immersive experience developed together with Microsoft AltspaceVR and Mirum, creating a virtual world where fashion lovers could create their own avatars, network with other participants and join designated shows and events. This virtual space is a step towards bringing fashion into the metaverse. 

What’s more exciting, supported by the Hong Kong Multimedia Design Association (HKMMDA), visitors can try on four digital outfits inspired by this year’s Centrestage at the interactive cylinders at the entrance of Hall 1B. These unique experiences bridge reality with virtuality and provide visionary insights into the exotic new future of fashion.

Another virtual experience not to be missed is the LEGO DOTS x AR Toys that allows visitors to create digital outfits for the virtual world. In the upcoming collaboration between LEGO DOTS (1C -F17) and AR Toys (1C-E21), sketches are photographed on a digital device and then uploaded to the AR Fashion Designer app, where they’re turned into digital outfits for avatars. 

Also highlighted at the fair is AiDLaB ‘s Intelligent Textile technology that incorporates illuminating optical fibre into textiles. The innovative fabric lights up and changes colour with the movement and gestures of the body. This patented design is a technological game-changer for the fashion industry.

There will also be a seminar that hones in on the application and impact of the metaverse and how insiders can capitalise on the digitalisation of fashion on September 10 from 3:45-4:45 at the Miniverse stage.

Register online ahead of the event to gain free access to the fairground and events. 

Also see: Centrestage: Asia’s fashion spotlight returns with diversity and inclusion