DesignInspire 2025 opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running until 6 December. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event brings together over 260 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. From tomorrow, the exhibition will welcome industry professionals and the public with free admission, offering a platform for design enthusiasts, buyers, and the public to explore how design connects culture, industry, and everyday life.
The HKTDC’s commitment to promoting Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries continues, cementing the city’s role as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange. Since 2017, DesignInspire has provided a platform for designers, brands, and creative institutions to connect with potential buyers from around the world, unlocking design-led business opportunities. Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s DesignInspire unites global creative and business talents, presenting major international collaborations that underscore the event’s mission as a world-class design platform. Artistic exchange is not only where ideas and inspiration are born – it also provides the opportunity to build new partnerships. With its unique position as a global business hub, Hong Kong is ideally placed to foster international exchanges and collaboration.”
A key highlight is the return of French lifestyle and design authority Maison&Objet, presenting the upgraded Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025, which nearly doubles in scale from last year. Centred on the concept of “Crossroads,” the curation brings together 16 internationally renowned designers and artisans and more than 200 brands. Design Factory features over 200 pieces envisioning future living, while Design Showcase connects seven design capitals: Dubai, Hong Kong, Milan, New Delhi, Paris, Seoul, and Shanghai. Italian brand Moroso presents a special public art installation, Resonant Landscapes, curated by Creative Director Patrizia Moroso.
Renowned design master Alan Chan presents BOTTEGA HONG KONG, reimagining everyday aesthetics through an “open carton” inspired by Italy’s alimentari and Hong Kong’s “si dor” neighbourhood stores. The pavilion showcases Hong Kong and Italian talent, including anothermountainman, Didi Ng, FERRAGAMO, Moroso, glass artist Lucia Massari, and Alessandro Stabile Design Studio. Rising artist Chilai Howard curates TINY STUDIO, inspired by Hong Kong’s street stall culture, featuring 12 studio pavilions with unique designs from fashion designer Angus Tsui, illustrator Pen So, fragrance brand BeCandle, music producer Edward Chan, and visual production studio (Re).
DesignInspire has partnered with Tatler to present “The A.I. Atelier,” an experience zone that blends design and technology. Supported by Gen.T and powered by Preface, this zone analyses visitors’ unique design spirit and styles, generating personalised visual creations on the spot, demonstrating how AI is reshaping design language. Local exhibitors also unveil new designs, including GERI, an intelligent textile technology company collaborating with graphic design master Kan Tai-keung to debut a new series of smart handbags.
To foster professional dialogue, the InnoTalks series returns with 13 sessions, covering topics such as retro aesthetics, art toy IP, multisensory design, and sustainable interiors. Highlights include “Time Warp – When Nostalgia Meets the Future” with local studios Nopaperstudio and Hoopla, and “Future development potential of Art Toy IP” with international designer Winson Ma. Creative workshops open to the public include cyanotype printing, light sculpture, and miniature art, many drawing inspiration from Hong Kong motifs.
DesignInspire also collaborates with St. James’ Creation to promote artistic development for people in rehabilitation, and with Hong Kong YMCA’s the DOOOR arts space to integrate art into the community. Running concurrently are three HKTDC-led events: Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day, and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025, taking place from 4 to 5 December at the HKCEC, creating further synergies and business opportunities.
