Demand significantly exceeded expectations, with total buyer appointments increasing from 120 to 180 across the four-day fair, drawing strongest interest from South Korea, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, and Indonesia. High-profile discussions are currently underway for pop-up shops and potential long-term residences in a new Hong Kong development opening in 2027.

Acting as a strategic gateway, the exhibition provided these debuting brands with their first entry point into Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the wider Asian market. Feigl highlighted the Austrian fashion show and a panel discussion on circularity as the week’s major successes.

Combining pre-arranged meetings with organic exploration, Salamina connected with at least 30 different brands. She was particularly drawn to the regionally grouped Korean pavilion, noting that their deconstructed, reworked, yet highly wearable designs are perfectly suited for US consumers.

She emphasised that CENTRESTAGE far exceeded her expectations, serving as an invaluable global networking platform to source niche, high-potential brands for future Paris pop-ups and retail showcases.