This April, Hong Kong will play host to the future of fashion as NEXT@Fashion InStyle takes centre stage at Fashion InStyle 2026, held from 27 to 30 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The event, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has established itself as a key meeting point for the global fashion supply chain in Asia. By bringing together hundreds of exhibitors from specialised zones focused on textiles, fashion technology, and sustainability solutions, the fair creates a unified platform that bridges the gap between designers, manufacturers, material innovators, and buyers.
Advancing Material Innovation
NEXT@Fashion InStyle, nestled within the larger fair, shines a spotlight on cutting-edge materials and pioneering design approaches. Leveraging the momentum from its preceding edition, this zone looks into the transformative impact of next-generation textiles and production techniques on the fashion industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, material functionality, and innovative fabrication methods.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency continues to support the NEXT@Fashion InStyle zone, with the Philippines designated as the featured partner for this year. This collaboration is facilitated through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Hong Kong (PTIC) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). The participation of 30 Philippine suppliers, showcasing textiles and materials that show the country’s burgeoning influence within the global fashion supply network, will be complemented by around 60 exhibitors from diverse countries and regions. This amalgamation supports a platform that seamlessly integrates international innovation with regional craftsmanship.
Han Chong, renowned fashion designer and founder of the London-based label Self-Portrait, returns as the ambassador for the zone, guiding the exhibition’s curatorial direction. The presentation this year is structured around three key themes: Cultural & Heritage, Sustainability, and Technology & Functionality. These themes reflect the broader industry shifts towards materials that harmoniously blend performance, environmental stewardship, and cultural relevance.
Pioneering Design with Novel Materials
A hallmark of the NEXT@Fashion InStyle showcase will be a series of collaborative design projects. Han Chong has collaborated with six emerging Hong Kong designers and brands, utilizing forward-thinking textiles from eight global suppliers to craft five cross-disciplinary projects. These projects aim to deliver a “Fashion Shock” through the fusion of craftsmanship, material interpretation, and diverse patchwork techniques.
One notable project, led by designers Toki Wong and Lusana Xu, explores the area of sustainable textiles by incorporating 100% biodegradable AlgaFila into padded garments, alongside Nanoflex, a fibre engineered for resilience and elasticity. Advanced dyeing techniques are employed to achieve lively colours while adhering to environmental considerations. Designer Jason Ying adopts a different approach with denim, combining it with sustainable leather elements and integrating knit accessories to create texture contrasts, all while exploring more responsible sourcing practices.
The sensory collision of contrasting textures in these designs optimises the wearing experience, embodying a sophisticated style that balances fluidity with eco-awareness. The experimental label Ponder.er showcases garments made from self-developed textiles, manipulating fibre structures and surfaces to explore how custom materials can expand fashion design possibilities. Meanwhile, WILSONKAKI ventures into the intersection of natural materials and advanced fibres, combining all-natural textiles with mycelium-based fibres and ultra-light H2 material, using collage-style techniques to challenge traditional garment construction norms. Lastly, Tigerstrolling reinterprets heritage craftsmanship through a modern lens, blending traditional Song brocade with denim and Hong Kong design elements to offer a fresh perspective on traditional craft.
Supporting Knowledge Exchange and Industry Dialogue
To enhance participation, the organisers will implement the “EXHIBITION+” hybrid model. While the physical fair will run from 27 to 30 April, online business matching and sourcing services will be available from 20 April to 7 May. Through the Click2Match platform and hktdc.com Sourcing, buyers can connect with exhibitors, discover new suppliers, and arrange meetings both during and after the physical event. In an industry increasingly influenced by technological advancements and sustainability demands, NEXT@Fashion InStyle seeks to provide a glimpse into how materials, coupled with the innovative spirit of designers, are redefining the next chapter of fashion.
