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, this year's event runs under the theme "Where Connections Spark Inspiration" and brings together diverse creative forces from around the world.
This year's edition gains significance through its expanded international participation and strategic focus on cross-cultural exchange, particularly between Hong Kong and Italy. With Italy serving as partner country for the concurrent Business of Design Week 2025 Summit, the event strengthens Hong Kong's position as a bridge between Eastern and Western creative industries. The exhibition features over 250 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, making it a crucial platform for global design dialogue and business opportunities.
Parisian design authority Maison&Objet returns with expanded presence under the identity Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025, nearly doubling its exhibition area. The strategic partner brings together 16 internationally celebrated designers and curators with over 200 brands, artisans and artists. Centered on the theme "Crossroads," the showcase includes three core sections: Design Factory focusing on sustainability and material innovation, Design Showcase presenting design excellence from seven global capitals, and Le Club business lounge for industry networking.
Hong Kong's design vision shines through two major cross-cultural collaborations. International design master Alan Chan partners with UNVEIL and Su Chang Design Research Office to create BOTTEGA HONG KONG, inspired by 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 umbrella brand Francesco Maglia and Hong Kong heritage manufacturer Leung So Kee produced a bespoke umbrella adorned with the skylines of both regions, representing craftsmanship dialogue between the two cultures.
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 features interactive experiences including digital art, music creation, sculpture, fragrance design and tattoo illustration. Highlights include collaborative works between Hong Kong artist Danny Lee Chin-fai and Italian sculptor Francesca Bernardini, plus audiovisual pieces by acclaimed music producer Edward Chan.
The event serves as a catalyst for international business cooperation, welcoming global pavilions from the Chinese Mainland, Czechia, Macao and Taiwan. The Czech Pavilion celebrates Bohemian glass tradition, while the SHOP Zone gathers curated design pieces available for collection and purchase. Hong Kong fragrance brand Floriography joins as DesignInspire's first official "Scent Partner," adding sensory dimension to the fair. Local institutions including the Hong Kong Design Institute and Hong Kong Design Centre will showcase student works and over 200 DFA Design for Asia Award-winning pieces.
During the exhibition, the InnoTalks series will feature 14 sessions exploring forward-looking topics such as creative collectibles, IP development, AI applications and inclusive design. Creative workshops covering multi-sensory creation, art-tech integration and sustainable design will allow public participation. The event website at https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en provides additional information for attendees. Three concurrent events - Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025 - will provide broader business networking opportunities from December 4-5 at the same venue.
