DesignInspire 2025 Returns to Hong Kong with Expanded International Showcase and Cross-Cultural Collaborations

The 2025 DesignInspire exhibition returns to Hong Kong from December 3-6 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring an exclusive VIP preview on opening day followed by three days of free admission for industry professionals and the public. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre with sponsorship from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, this year's event runs under the theme "Where Connections Spark Inspiration" and brings together diverse creative forces from around the world.

This edition marks significant expansion in international participation, with over 250 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions showcasing their work. The event's strategic partner, Maison&Objet, returns with nearly double the exhibition space under the identity Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025. The expanded presence brings together 16 internationally celebrated designers and curators alongside over 200 brands, artisans, and artists to create a world-class platform for creative dialogue centered on the theme "Crossroads."

The exhibition features three core sections delivering essential design elements: Design Factory focuses on sustainability, material innovation and cultural storytelling; Design Showcase extends Maison&Objet's creative footprint to seven design capitals; and Le Club serves as a business lounge dedicated for design players. These sections will feature curatorial projects by forward-thinking creative teams including Belgian designer Lionel Jadot and Thai bamboo artist Korakot Aromdee, alongside renowned creators like French designer Hubert Le Gall and Hong Kong architect Steve Leung.

Cross-cultural collaboration takes center stage with two major pavilions bridging Hong Kong and Italian creativity. International design master Alan Chan, working with UNVEIL and Su Chang Design Research Office, presents BOTTEGA HONG KONG, drawing inspiration from Italy's alimentari and Hong Kong's local "si dor" corner shop culture. The pavilion features 15 brands from both regions showcasing furniture, lifestyle goods and design collectibles. A standout collaboration between Italy's century-old handmade umbrella brand Francesco Maglia and Hong Kong heritage umbrella manufacturer Leung So Kee resulted in a bespoke umbrella adorned with the skylines of both regions, perfectly representing the craftsmanship dialogue between the two places.

Emerging artist Chilai Howard curates TINY STUDIO, bringing together 12 design collectives from Hong Kong and Italy within individual studios that present cross-disciplinary works blending design, art and technology. Inspired by Hong Kong's iconic street stalls from the 1980s and 1990s, the exhibition pays homage to the city's vibrant street culture while creating interactive experiences encompassing digital art, music creation, sculpture, fragrance design, tattoo illustration and live weaving demonstrations.

The event serves as a catalyst for international business and cooperation, welcoming global pavilions from countries including the Chinese Mainland, Czechia, Macao and Taiwan. The Czech Pavilion celebrates the world-famous Bohemian glass tradition, while the SHOP Zone gathers curated design and art pieces available for collection and purchase. Hong Kong fragrance brand Floriography joins as DesignInspire's first official "Scent Partner," adding a sensory layer of Hong Kong's olfactory aesthetics to the fair.

Several leading Hong Kong design institutions will participate, with the Hong Kong Design Institute presenting student works and its Motifx project featuring home décor combining traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary aesthetics. The Hong Kong Design Centre will showcase over 200 DFA Design for Asia Award-winning pieces, demonstrating the city's design excellence. Local exhibitors will unveil new designs, including GERI, an intelligent textile technology company collaborating with graphic design master Kan Tai-keung to launch a new series of smart handbags.

The InnoTalks series will feature 14 sessions of inspiring dialogue, bringing together internationally renowned designers and industry experts to explore forward-looking topics such as creative collectibles, IP development, AI applications and inclusive design. Creative workshops covering multi-sensory creation, art-tech integration, sustainable design and craftsmanship will further inspire public interest in design and art. Additional concurrent events including the Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025 will provide broader business networking and matching opportunities at the HKCEC on December 4-5.

HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Anna Cheung emphasized the event's role in driving growth for creative industries and strengthening connections between local designers and the global design community. Through exhibitions and networking activities, the event aims to foster deeper collaboration between creative, design and business sectors while engaging the public in appreciating creativity and raising recognition of the creative industry's contribution to society's culture and economy. More information about the event is available at https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en/.