Where tradition meets trend: fashion’s cultural renaissance at CENTRESTAGE 2025
As the vibrant city of Hong Kong prepares to host CENTRESTAGE 2025 from September 3 to 6, the spotlight is firmly on the intersection of tradition and modernity in fashion. This year, a fresh wave of designers is redefining the narrative by infusing their cultural heritage into contemporary aesthetics. Three standout brands exemplify this innovative spirit: NATACHA VAN, BALC and WEST 14TH.
NATACHA VAN, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand based in Hong Kong, embodies the essence of fairy tales through its exquisite designs. Founded by Natacha, an Asian designer raised in London, the brand offers a stunning array of ready-to-wear pieces and hand-sewn evening gowns. Each creation is a reflection of Natacha’s multicultural background, marrying romantic storytelling with meticulous craftsmanship. Featured at prominent fashion weeks across the globe, including New York, Paris and Milan, NATACHA VAN is not just a brand; it’s a narrative of identity woven into luxurious fabric.
NATACHA VAN, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand based in Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of NATACHA VAN)
NATACHA VAN, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand based in Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of NATACHA VAN)
NATACHA VAN, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand based in Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of NATACHA VAN)
NATACHA VAN, a luxury womenswear and menswear brand based in Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of NATACHA VAN)
In stark contrast, BALC, part of Le Cos, champions traditional Thai culture through its innovative designs. The brand is renowned for its intricate batik prints, which are deeply rooted in southern Thai heritage. By merging these traditional motifs with modern silhouettes, BALC is making waves in the fashion world, appealing to a global audience eager for culturally rich yet wearable fashion. This commitment to both tradition and contemporary style positions BALC as a key player in the global fashion landscape.
BALC, a fashion and lifestyle company that celebrates traditional Thai culture (Photo: Courtesy of BALC)
BALC, a fashion and lifestyle company that celebrates traditional Thai culture (Photo: Courtesy of BALC)
Meanwhile, WEST 14TH offers an immersive window into sustainable luxury craftsmanship. Showcasing pieces such as its signature leather blazers, this purveyor of modern heirlooms combines buttery-soft leathers with timeless designs that resonate with contemporary women. Its commitment to creating wardrobe staples that last for decades reflects a wider movement in fashion: a desire for mindful consumption and enduring quality in an increasingly disposable world.
WEST 14TH, an Australian leather brand dedicated to crafting timeless, versatile essentials for the modern woman (Photo: Courtesy of WEST 14TH)
WEST 14TH, an Australian leather brand dedicated to crafting timeless, versatile essentials for the modern woman (Photo: Courtesy of WEST 14TH)
WEST 14TH, an Australian leather brand dedicated to crafting timeless, versatile essentials for the modern woman (Photo: Courtesy of WEST 14TH)
These brands not only celebrate their cultural roots but also highlight the importance of craftsmanship and artistic detail. They demonstrate that fashion can be both an expression of individuality and a homage to tradition. By blending these elements, they create pieces that resonate with both local and international audiences.
As CENTRESTAGE 2025 approaches, this harmonious blend of tradition and innovation invites visitors and buyers to experience a celebration of cultural identity through modern design. The event promises to showcase the transformative power of fashion, where the past beautifully informs the present.
CENTRESTAGE 2025
*Date: September 3-6 (Wed to Sat)*
*Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre*
Free admission, register now