The stage is set for DesignInspire 2025, which opens with a VIP preview on December 3 and offers free admission for industry professionals and the public from December 4 to 6. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre, the event takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year's theme, "Where Connections Spark Inspiration," highlights the role of design in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and business collaboration.
Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025 returns as a strategic partner, expanding its exhibition area by nearly double. Under the theme "Crossroads," it features three core sections: Design Factory, Design Showcase, and Le Club. Design Factory focuses on sustainability and material innovation, with projects by Belgian designer Lionel Jadot and Thai bamboo artist Korakot Aromdee. Design Showcase extends to seven design capitals, featuring creators like French designer Hubert Le Gall and Hong Kong architect Steve Leung. Le Club serves as a business lounge for design professionals.
International design master Alan Chan and emerging artist Chilai Howard each designed cross-cultural pavilions. BOTTEGA HONG KONG, by Chan, draws inspiration from Italian alimentari and Hong Kong's "si dor" corner shops, featuring 15 brands from both regions. A standout collaboration between Italy's Francesco Maglia and Hong Kong's Leung So Kee produces a bespoke umbrella adorned with both cities' skylines. Chan also reimagines a Giorgio Armani gown with Hong Kong's traditional feather duster. TINY STUDIO, curated by Howard, brings together 12 design collectives from Hong Kong and Italy, offering interactive experiences in digital art, music, sculpture, and more.
DesignInspire also hosts global pavilions from the Chinese Mainland, Czechia, Macao, and Taiwan, with the Czech Pavilion celebrating Bohemian glass. The SHOP Zone offers curated design pieces for purchase, and Hong Kong fragrance brand Floriography joins as the first official Scent Partner. The InnoTalks series features 14 sessions on topics like creative collectibles, AI applications, and inclusive design. Concurrent events include the Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day, and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025, providing networking and business matching opportunities.
HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Anna Cheung emphasized the event's role in driving creative industries and connecting local designers globally. "DesignInspire has long been a flagship event in Hong Kong’s cultural and creative calendar," she said. "This year’s edition brings together over 250 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, alongside two iconic figures – Alan Chan and Chilai Howard – who each design thematic pavilions that capture a dialogue between Hong Kong’s creative energy and Italy’s design culture." The event aims to foster collaboration with buyers from hospitality, real estate, luxury dining, and cultural tourism industries.
For more information, visit the event website at https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en. Photo downloads are available at https://bit.ly/3XMv1e3.
