DesignInspire 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as lead sponsor, opens on 18 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with free admission for the public from 19 to 21 November. The fair, themed "Wander & Wonder," brings together more than 200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, showcasing works by over 320 internationally renowned designer brands.
The significance of this year's edition lies in its alignment with Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to develop the city into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Anna Cheung noted that design is "not only a form of creative expression, but also a powerful force driving cultural exchange, brand development and business innovation." By hosting a diverse range of exhibitions and interactive experiences, the fair demonstrates how design connects culture, creativity and innovation, transforming creative excellence into commercial opportunities through elevated customer experiences.
A headline attraction is "ABITO/HK," presented for the first time in Hong Kong by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano. Curated by Palomba Serafini Associati, the exhibition juxtaposes iconic Italian furniture and design pieces from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace and Kartell with signature works by Hong Kong creative pioneers including Alan Chan, Freeman Lau and Henry Steiner. This cross-cultural showcase not only offers global buyers and collectors a unique opportunity to appreciate design treasures but also serves as a professional platform for in-depth business networking, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a conduit between Italian and Asian design markets.
Swiss creativity is also prominently featured, coinciding with Business of Design Week (BODW) welcoming Switzerland as its partner country. "Cabinets of Wonders," curated by Hong Kong artist Chilai Howard, brings together 20-25 designers, artists and brands from Hong Kong and Switzerland, including legendary watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier and Swiss graphic designer Dafi Kühne, exploring how design transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. Additionally, Swiss design studio atelier oï presents "Breathing in Motion," an immersive installation that merges light, material and motion, further deepening the cultural exchange between the two regions.
Beyond exhibitions, DesignInspire offers complimentary business matching and intellectual property advisory services, helping creative talent commercialise their ideas. The fair runs alongside the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum, HKTDC Entrepreneur Day and Start-up Express International, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for cross-sector collaboration. These initiatives support the HKTDC's broader mission to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions and business missions.
For those interested in attending, further details are available on the DesignInspire website, and high-resolution images can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/4iyWCcE. The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, continues to provide market insights through research reports and digital news channels. More information about the council is available at www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
