DesignInspire 2025 opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running until December 6, and brings together over 260 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event offers free admission from December 5 for industry professionals and the public. The fair aims to explore 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, which presents the upgraded Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025, featuring over 200 brands and 16 internationally renowned designers. Centered on the concept of "Crossroads," the curation includes Design Factory, curated by four international curators, and Design Showcase, which connects seven design capitals including Dubai, Hong Kong, and Paris. Italian brand Moroso presents Resonant Landscapes, a public art installation curated by Creative Director Patrizia Moroso.
Renowned design master Alan Chan and emerging artist Chilai Howard anchor the event's cross-cultural narrative. BOTTEGA HONG KONG, with Chan as Creative Director, reimagines everyday aesthetics through an "open carton" inspired by Italian alimentari and Hong Kong's "si dor" stores, featuring talent from both regions. TINY STUDIO, curated by Howard, takes inspiration from Hong Kong's street stall culture, hosting creators in digital art, sound, and sculpture for immersive interactions.
The event also features the return of InnoTalks with 13 sessions 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. Creative workshops open to the public include cyanotype printing, light sculpture, and candle-making, many integrating local Hong Kong motifs.
DesignInspire 2025 aims to connect global creativity and foster cross-industry collaboration, with international pavilions from the Chinese Mainland, Belgium, Czechia, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. First-time exhibitors include the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Macao Product Design Association. The event also partners with Tatler to present "The A.I. Atelier," an experience zone using AI to generate personalized visual creations based on visitors' design spirit.
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.” The fair runs concurrently with the Business of IP Asia Forum and Entrepreneur Day, creating further synergies for business opportunities.
