Silver Event and Happening Design · 2024
Centrestage 2023 Event Organiser Space
by Rachel Tsang
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Event and Happening Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Hong Kong Trade Development Council
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 137,405
- Verification code 54C3440BF0 · Verify this award
About Centrestage 2023 Event Organiser Space
Centrestage is a fashion trade event held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four day event covers 11,000 square metres and is divided into four zones based on physical, social, environmental and spiritual wellness. The 7,200 square metre exhibition hall holds exhibitor booths, a mini parade and a fashion presentation area. A circular main stage is framed by a 180 degree video wall, 47 metres wide, and seats more than 600 guests. A two story LED string curtain and kinetic floral displays add movement to the venue.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Centrestage 2023 Event Organiser Space represents a significant achievement in contemporary exhibition design, demonstrating how immersive spatial environments can elevate the presentation of fashion and creative industries through carefully orchestrated sensory experiences. The installation positions itself within the lineage of experiential exhibition architecture, drawing upon traditions of theatrical stage design, light art installations, and contemporary museum environments that prioritize visitor engagement through atmospheric immersion rather than passive observation. The central sculptural element, a cascading cylinder of illuminated vertical strands, functions simultaneously as focal point, wayfinding beacon, and symbolic threshold, suggesting the transformative potential of fashion itself as visitors approach and circumnavigate its luminous presence. The technical accomplishment evident in the coordination of radial ceiling elements, central light feature, and perimeter digital displays speaks to sophisticated spatial choreography, where each component reinforces the others in creating a unified atmospheric envelope. The selection of the blue-dominant palette carries significant resonance within fashion and luxury contexts, traditionally associated with innovation, trust, and aspiration, while the warm accents emerging from the fashion imagery prevent the environment from becoming clinically cold. This interplay between the ephemeral quality of light-based installation and the grounded materiality of fashion photography creates productive tension between the immaterial and material dimensions of creative practice. The circular floor platform establishes a democratic viewing zone, encouraging circulation and multiple vantage points rather than privileging any single perspective, thereby reflecting contemporary values of inclusivity and accessibility within exhibition design. One might consider how this environment transforms the conventional trade show format into something approaching artistic experience, blurring boundaries between commercial presentation and cultural installation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Hong Kong Trade Development Council presents the 8th edition of Centrestage, Asias premier fashion event this year. The combination of exquisite venue designs, carefully curated decor, and innovative technology draws 7,700 worldwide buyers, who visit and make purchases. This is a sophisticated platform for fashion designers, allowing them to share their unique vision, promote design trends, and launch fashion brands.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Centrestage at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center redefines creativity and immersive fashion experiences. Spanning over 11,000 sqm, the fairground is divided into four distinct zones: Environment Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Social Wellness, and Physical Wellness, to promote fashion from all regions. The groundbreaking design of a 2 story LED string curtain display allows an interactive and dynamic experience for visitors. The round stage layout features a 180 degree, 47m wide video wall, together with an uplifted audio and lighting system, offering an unparalleled immersive show experience for over 600 guests.
- Tags
- CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Fashion Event, HKTDC, Exhibition Design, Asia’s Fashion Spotlight, FASHIONALLY, CreateHK, Elite, YDC
- Production Technology
- Centrestage offered an immersive fashion show experience with mega sized LED video wall showing AI generated videos to enhance the visual experience. It also served as a stunning backdrop to support multiple fashion shows during the event. In addition, the dynamic and visually striking display, including an oversized LED string curtain wall, kinetic floral decorations, and interactive fashion walls, captivated audiences, generated social media buzz, and delivered memorable events.
- Design Challenge
- Planning and integrating the AI elements into a physical fair present a set of unique challenges. Our team need more time and new skillset to manage technical integration, quality assurance, real-time adaptability, and maintaining artistic integrity. We also need to ensure in sync with the exhibition theme Radiant Wellness, objective and functional needs for all exhibitors and fashion show designers. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between AI experts, video production specialists, artists, technical teams as well as event contractors to overcome these challenges and harness the potential of AI visuals for captivating show experiences.
- Project Duration
- Centrestage, a 4 day fashion event held from 6th to 9th September 2023, was organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The creative team spent a total of 5 months, from the initial briefing to the onsite completion, ensuring an exceptional execution of the event.
- Operation Flow
- Centrestage is divided into two main parts: The Exhibition Hall and the Main Stage for Fashion Show Performance. The 7,200 sqm Exhibition Hall includes strategically designed booths, a mini parade, and a fashion presentation area to accommodate multiple exhibitors and provide a comfortable browsing experience for attendees. Meanwhile, the unusual circular main stage layout with a mega LED screen enhances visibility and allows dynamic movement for the models. It offers an intimate experience for audiences and enhanced interaction.
- Research
- The research abstract is focusing on the four dimensions of wellness, namely Physical, Social, Environmental, and Spiritual. We seek for the relevant elements for each dimension and interplay in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle and sustainability. This year we utilize the AI technology to inspire and contribute to the design, curation, and presentation of this event. Based on the concept of Radiant Wellness, we integrate the AI generated models together with designers collection and bring newness to our audience. The use of AI also transforms traditional fashion shows with a more vibrance LED and visuals effect to enhance creativity and spectacle.
- Inspiration
- It is time to rebound after the covid pandemic. We would like to build a culture of well-being and re-develop our body, mind, and spirit. The design of Radiant Wellness is a concept with four dimensions of wellness, including Physical, Social, Environmental, and Spiritual. The overhead kinetic floral display, together with the three distinct color lily pad photo booths promotes a refreshing, healthy, and sustainable experience. Additionally, the 2 story LED string curtain integrated with the AI-generated models wall becomes a vibrant platform to showcase the designers collections.
- Image Credits
- Hong Kong Trade Development Council