DesignInspire 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as lead sponsor, will take place from 18 to 21 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day event, themed "Wander & Wonder", opens exclusively to trade buyers on 18 November and to both trade and public visitors from 19 to 21 November, with free admission throughout.
The fair's importance lies in its scale and international reach: more than 200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, will showcase works by over 320 internationally renowned designer brands. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Anna Cheung said design is "a powerful force driving cultural exchange, brand development and business innovation," noting that DesignInspire supports Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to develop the city into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
A headline attraction is "ABITO/HK" by Italy's Salone del Mobile.Milano, presented for the first time in Hong Kong by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Curated by Palomba Serafini Associati, the exhibition juxtaposes iconic Italian furniture from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, Cassina and Kartell with works by Hong Kong design pioneers including Alan Chan, Freeman Lau and Henry Steiner. For global buyers and collectors, it offers a rare platform to appreciate both design traditions and to discover pieces rich in cultural heritage.
Other highlights include "Cabinets of Wonders", curated by Chilai Howard, which brings together 20-25 designers and brands from Hong Kong and Switzerland, including watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier and furniture brand Vitra; "Breathing in Motion", an immersive installation by Swiss studio atelier oï featuring its Oiphorique lighting collection; and "House of Lumière", curated by Tino Kwan and CM Jao, presenting over 80 designer lighting creations from brands including Davide Groppi and Vibia.
The American Hardwood Export Council will participate for the first time, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional hub for creative design exchange. The event also includes business matching, buyer missions, intellectual property advisory services and networking activities designed to convert creative ideas into commercial opportunities. More details are available on the DesignInspire website, and photo downloads can be accessed via https://bit.ly/4iyWCcE. 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. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
