Centrestage 2021: A Futuristic Fashion Event by Jason Cheung

Designing Infinite Possibilities in a Post-Pandemic Era

Centrestage 2021 stands out for its multifunctional introductory space that serves as an opening reception, fashion presentation, and introductory experience area. The space, covering 600m2, was designed to uplift the overall ambiance of the show. The concept of Chapter Infinity was brought to life through a futuristic multimedia and audio experience that welcomed visitors.

The design was realized through prefabrication and off-site testing due to a tight 3-day setup schedule. The space featured a recessed infinity mirror cube backdrop, hanging LED screens, and a floating staircase. The walls were made from reusable aluminium structural frames covered with mirror, mesh, polycarbonate, and acrylic sheet finish. To promote sustainability, biodegradable carpets were used.

The introductory space was a technical marvel, with a 5m wide x 3.5m high LED screen outside the Hall entry, walls cladded with 3mm corrugated acrylic sheets and LED tubes, and a 15m(w) x 36m(l)x 5m(h) space inside the hall with 8 LED screens of varying sizes suspended within. A floating MDF staircase hung in the central space on a 7m(h) AV rig, and a 3m x 3m concave infinity mirror followed by five 1.8 m(w) x 3m(h) LED neon-lit arches completed the experience.

The design was a result of extensive research on the infinite opportunities in the fashion industry in a post-pandemic era. The team drew inspiration from M.C. Escher's impossible sketches of infinity and impossible spaces, challenging themselves to create a modern adaptation of an impossible space. The biggest challenge was translating the Chapter Infinity concept into a spatial design, which was successfully achieved through a futuristic dreamscape version for the introductory space.

Centrestage 2021 was launched on the 10th of September 2021 and ran for 4 days at the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre HKCEC in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. The event, which returned physically to the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, housed over 220 contemporary fashion brands within a 9000m2 space. The design was awarded Silver in A' Event and Happening Design Award in 2023, recognized for its creative and professionally remarkable design that showcases a remarkable level of excellence and innovation.