The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has launched Global Gateways, a new international export program designed to drive long-term growth for Australian fashion in high-value markets.
The program’s first mission will take place at CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong from 3–6 September 2025, delivered in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and proudly supported by Investment NSW & Hong Kong Airlines.
This marks just the beginning of Global Gateways and the AFC’s commitment to delivering high-value in-market showcases, export education, and tailored support providing Australian fashion with the tools to enter and thrive on the global stage.
CENTRESTAGE Hong Kong 2025 will position Australian fashion at the forefront of Asia’s leading trade event, reinforcing the industry’s strength, creativity, and international appeal. As part of the AFC Global Gateways program, this showcase celebrates the distinctive identity of Australian design while fostering meaningful commercial and cultural exchange across borders.
The inaugural delegation of eight leading Australian designers - Bondi Born, Maara Collective, bond-eye, West 14th, Re/lax Remade, Monika Branagan and Neuono - will present collections to buyers and media, supported by targeted business-matching and in-market programming to secure successful commercial outcomes.
With buyers from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the UAE and beyond, CENTRESTAGE is a powerful launchpad for brands expanding beyond the U.S. and Europe. The delegation will also take part in a cultural diplomacy event co-hosted with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), further strengthening cultural ties and trade relationships.
‘Global Gateways' is about embedding Australian fashion into the world’s most high-value markets and we’re thrilled to begin this program in Hong Kong. As one of Asia’s most influential fashion centres, its proximity to Australia and position as a re-export hub creates unmatched advantages for export-ready brands.’
Jaana Quaintance-James, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Fashion Council.
“Over the past decade, CENTRESTAGE has become the perfect meeting point for fashion brands and designers from across the globe, and Asia in particular, to showcase their latest creations. As the flagship fashion event for Asia, CENTRESTAGE not only celebrates virtuosity in design and craftsmanship, but also propels both local and international brands into the broader Asian market, supporting the vigorous development of the local fashion industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global fashion hub and world-class East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.”
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC
© 2026 AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL All Rights Reserved
