Tomorrow Lab: A Futuristic Fashion Experience

Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Innovative Approach to Fashion Show Design

The concept of Tomorrow Lab was inspired by Centrestage’s objective to discover Asia’s latest upcoming fashion talents and bring the most contemporary brands under one roof. The design aimed to evoke a futuristic industrial laboratory theme, starting from the concourse and continuing inside the exhibition hall. The central display featured moving robotic arms to highlight various fashion brands, leading visitors to the open stage area.

Tomorrow Lab housed over 220 contemporary fashion brands within a 7000m2 area. The design had to uplift the ambience of the three communal spaces provided by the organiser: the outer concourse, a central display, and a catwalk arena located inside the exhibition hall. The challenge was to create this unique environment within a tight three-day onsite setup.

To meet the tight production schedule, the design was prefabricated off-site and assembled quickly onsite. The backdrops were made with plywood backing finished in digital print, and the catwalk backwall used coloured polycarbonate sheets. All linear structural formats were made from metal hollow sections and recycled after the event. The design also incorporated an LED screen, pre-controlled robotic arms, and audio & visual equipment, all hired for the event. The carpets used were biodegradable, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

The design interaction for Tomorrow Lab began at the concourse with various wall installations, each with a futuristic industrial lab theme. Inside the hall, a central display contained two conveyor belt showcases with dressed mannequins, along with a series of movable robotic arms. The catwalk arena used scaffoldings, yellow metal grated seats, and cladded polycarbonate to further echo the concept.

The challenging part of the design process was defining the design language to uplift the overall ambience. The goal was to create a progressive and experimental setting, allowing visitors’ own imagination to interpret each scene. The design even replicated a robotic production line inside the hall, suggesting that future fashion pieces could be conceptualised or collaborated by robots.

In conclusion, the Tomorrow Lab project by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming the fashion event space. By blending technology with creativity, the project created a unique, immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of what a fashion show can be. This approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also sets a new standard for future fashion events.