DesignInspire 2025 Returns to Hong Kong with Expanded International Collaborations

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 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. Strategic partner Maison&Objet returns with expanded presence under the identity Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025, nearly doubling its exhibition footprint. The French design authority brings together 16 internationally celebrated designers and curators with over 200 brands, artisans and artists.

Centered on the theme "Crossroads," the exhibition features three core sections: Design Factory focusing on sustainability and material innovation, Design Showcase presenting design excellence across seven global capitals, and Le Club business lounge for industry networking. Cross-cultural collaboration takes center stage with two specially designed pavilions bridging Hong Kong and Italian creativity. International design master Alan Chan collaborates with UNVEIL and Su Chang Design Research Office on BOTTEGA HONG KONG, drawing inspiration from Italy's alimentari and Hong Kong's traditional corner shop culture. The pavilion structure resembles an opened giant carton blending raw elegance with futuristic minimalism, featuring 15 brands from both regions showcasing furniture, lifestyle goods and design collectibles.

Notable collaborations include Francesco Maglia, Italy's century-old handmade umbrella brand, working with Hong Kong heritage umbrella manufacturer Leung So Kee to create bespoke umbrellas adorned with the skylines of both regions. Alan Chan also reimagines Giorgio Armani's 2010 gown using Hong Kong's traditional "Chung Leung Ching Kee" feather duster, blending folk craftsmanship with Milanese couture to celebrate heritage across borders. Emerging artist Chilai Howard curates TINY STUDIO, bringing together 12 design collectives from Hong Kong and Italy within individual studio spaces. Inspired by Hong Kong's iconic 1980s and 1990s street stalls, the exhibition features a kinetic roof that moves like waves and offers interactive experiences spanning digital art, music creation, sculpture, fragrance design and tattoo illustration.

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 for collection and purchase. Hong Kong fragrance brand Floriography joins as DesignInspire's first official "Scent Partner," adding olfactory aesthetics to the multi-sensory experience. Local design institutions showcase Hong Kong's creative talent, with the Hong Kong Design Institute presenting student works and traditional Chinese motif-inspired home décor. The Hong Kong Design Centre exhibits over 200 DFA Design for Asia Award-winning pieces, while local exhibitors like GERI collaborate with graphic design master Kan Tai-keung to launch innovative smart handbags.

Concurrent programming includes the InnoTalks series featuring 14 sessions with internationally renowned designers exploring creative collectibles, IP development, AI applications and inclusive design. Creative workshops cover multi-sensory creation, art-tech integration and sustainable design, while the Business of Design Week 2025 Summit runs concurrently with Italy as partner country, strengthening international collaboration within the global design community. Additional events include the Business of IP Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day and Start-up Express: International Edition 2025, providing broader business networking opportunities through one-on-one matching sessions connecting design service companies with innovative enterprises across the region.