DesignInspire 2025 Opens in Hong Kong, Showcasing Global Creative Convergence

DesignInspire 2025 opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running until December 6 with free admission for industry professionals and the public starting tomorrow. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with co-organization by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), the event features over 260 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. This convergence matters as it solidifies Hong Kong's position as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange while creating tangible business opportunities in the growing design sector.

A key highlight is the upgraded presence of French design authority Maison&Objet, returning under the banner Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025 with nearly double the scale of last year's showcase. Featuring two signature pavilions—Design Factory and Design Showcase—along with business lounge Le Club, the presentation centers on the concept of "Crossroads" to explore cross-cultural design language spanning dialogue, sustainable innovation, and avant-garde craft. Philippe Delhomme, Executive Board Chairman of Maison&Objet, noted the positive feedback from last year's debut and expressed anticipation for deeper collaborations with global industry peers and buyers.

The event's importance extends beyond international participation to spotlight Hong Kong's creative talent through curated showcases. BOTTEGA HONG KONG, with Alan Chan as Creative Director, reimagines everyday aesthetics through an "open carton" concept inspired by Italian alimentari and Hong Kong's "si dor" neighborhood stores, featuring collaborations with Hong Kong and Italian designers. Meanwhile, emerging artist Chilai Howard presents TINY STUDIO, drawing from Hong Kong's street stall culture to create 12 studio pavilions hosting creators from both regions working across digital art, sound, scent, and sculpture.

International pavilions from the Chinese Mainland, Belgium, Czechia, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates present diverse design viewpoints. The Czech Pavilion, for example, showcases Prague-based brands Artisème, Braasi Industry, and Pigmentarium, fusing Bohemian crystal and porcelain craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities. First-time exhibitors include the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia, and the Macao Product Design Association, highlighting the event's expanding global reach.

Professional exchange is fostered through 13 InnoTalks sessions covering topics like sustainable design, retro aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Sessions such as "Time Warp – When Nostalgia Meets the Future" and "Future development potential of Art Toy IP" explore how design trends translate into commercial opportunities. Additionally, 20 creative workshops offer public engagement in hands-on activities like cyanotype printing, light sculpture, and candle-making, many incorporating Hong Kong motifs.

The business implications are significant, with DesignInspire hosting an exclusive VIP preview to connect leading creative organizations, international enterprises, and buyers. Participating companies span department stores, retail and residential development, hospitality, and interior design, including Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, L'Oreal Luxe, The Mall Group, and Central Retail. Buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, such as Eslite Spectrum Corporation and CHECK Hospitality Management, are leveraging the platform to explore cross-border collaboration opportunities, reflecting the growth of cross-disciplinary design in the Asian market.

Innovation is further emphasized through partnerships like "The A.I. Atelier" with Tatler, which uses artificial intelligence to generate personalized visual creations for visitors, demonstrating how technology reshapes design language. Local exhibitors like intelligent textile technology company GERI are debuting new designs, such as a smart handbag series created with graphic design master Kan Tai-keung, blending innovation with craftsmanship.

Concurrently running events include the Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day, and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025, creating synergies and additional business opportunities. One-on-one business matching will connect participants with design service firms and innovation companies worldwide, underscoring the event's role in driving economic value from creative industries. For more information, visit the official event website at https://designinspire.hktdc.com.