DesignInspire 2025 opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running until December 6. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and co-organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), the event brings together over 260 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, offering free admission to industry professionals and the public from tomorrow. The exhibition explores how design connects culture, industry, and everyday life through exhibitions, dialogues, and workshops.
A key highlight is the return of French lifestyle and design authority Maison&Objet with an upgraded presence under the new banner Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025. Centered on the concept of “Crossroads,” it brings together 16 internationally renowned designers and artisans and over 200 brands, featuring two signature pavilions: Design Factory and Design Showcase, along with the business lounge Le Club. Design Factory, curated by four international curators, includes works by French trend hunter Elizabeth Leriche and the co-founders of COLLECTIBLE. Design Showcase connects seven design capitals—Dubai, Hong Kong, Milan, New Delhi, Paris, Seoul, and Shanghai—each interpreting diverse lifestyles through urban contexts. Italian brand Moroso presents Resonant Landscapes, a public art installation curated by Patrizia Moroso.
Renowned design master Alan Chan and emerging artist Chilai Howard present BOTTEGA HONG KONG and TINY STUDIO respectively, spotlighting inspirational dialogue between Hong Kong and Italian creatives. BOTTEGA HONG KONG, with Chan as Creative Director, reimagines everyday aesthetics through an “open carton” inspired by Italy’s alimentari and Hong Kong’s “si dor” neighbourhood stores, featuring talent such as anothermountainman, Didi Ng, FERRAGAMO, Moroso, and Lucia Massari. TINY STUDIO, curated by Howard, takes inspiration from Hong Kong’s street stall culture, hosting creators like fashion designer Angus Tsui and illustrator Pen So across digital art, sound, scent, and sculpture.
International pavilions from places including the Chinese Mainland, Belgium, Czechia, France, India, Italy, South Korea, and Thailand present diverse design viewpoints. The Czech Pavilion gathers brands Artisème, Braasi Industry, and Pigmentarium, showcasing Bohemian crystal, handmade backpacks, and artistic fragrances. First-time exhibitors include the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Macao Product Design Association. The event also features “The A.I. Atelier” in partnership with Tatler, powered by Preface, which uses AI to generate personalized visual creations for visitors.
Thirteen InnoTalks sessions and 20 creative workshops will be held, covering sustainable design, retro aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Highlights include “Time Warp – When Nostalgia Meets the Future” and “Future development potential of Art Toy IP” with international designer Winson Ma. The fair also collaborates with St. James’ Creation and Hong Kong YMCA’s the DOOOR arts space to promote community inclusion through art.
Running concurrently are Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day, and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025, creating further synergies. One-on-one business matching will connect participants with design service firms worldwide. Sophia Chong, Executive Director of 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.”
