DesignInspire, Hong Kong's premier creative design event, will return from November 18 to 21, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with free admission throughout its four-day run. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as lead sponsor, the fair opens exclusively to trade buyers on November 18 and to both trade buyers and the public from November 19 to 21.
Under the theme "Wander & Wonder," this year's edition aims to spark curiosity and cross-cultural exchange, featuring more than 200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Together they showcase works from over 320 internationally renowned designer brands, underscoring the event's role as a hub for creative design and business exchange.
A major highlight is the Hong Kong debut of "ABITO/HK," a special pavilion presented for the first time in the city by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano and curated by Palomba Serafini Associati. The exhibition juxtaposes iconic Italian furniture and design pieces from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, Cassina, Kartell, and B&B Italia with signature works by Hong Kong creative pioneers including Alan Chan, Freeman Lau, and Henry Steiner, tracing the evolution of design aesthetics across both regions.
Other standout showcases include "Cabinets of Wonders," curated by Hong Kong artist Chilai Howard, which brings together 20-25 designers and brands from Hong Kong and Switzerland—including Parmigiani Fleurier, Dafi Kühne, Freeman Lau, and Vitra—to explore how design transcends cultural boundaries. Swiss studio atelier oï presents "Breathing in Motion," an immersive installation centred on its Oiphorique lighting collection, while "House of Lumière," curated by lighting master Tino Kwan and interior designer CM Jao, features over 80 designer lighting creations from brands such as Davide Groppi and Vibia.
The fair also welcomes the American Hardwood Export Council for the first time, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional hub for creative exchange. Beyond exhibitions, DesignInspire offers business matching services, intellectual property advisory, and networking opportunities to help creative ideas reach the market.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Anna Cheung noted that design is a powerful force driving cultural exchange, brand development, and business innovation, and that the fair supports Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan to become an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The event runs alongside Business of Design Week and other HKTDC forums, further amplifying its impact. For more details, visit https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en/. The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions, and provides market insights via research reports and digital news channels. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
