DesignInspire 2019 — Design Anthology

The annual three-day exhibition spans design disciplines to showcase beautiful furniture and materials from across the globe

Japanese lighting company Yahiro is bringing the properties of gold-leaf lighting to DesignInspire 2019 in Hong Kong

Each year in December, design elites from the world over converge on Hong Kong for a week of events that stimulate the mind and showcase the city as a creative hub. A key plank of this programme is DesignInspire, a three-day exhibition that provides a platform for designers, creatives and brands to come together for networking, exhibiting and celebrating good design. In partnership with the UK, the 2019 edition will highlight ‘GREAT British Design’ as well as featuring a roster of international designer products and projects, from artisan building material, handmade furniture, modern architecture and interior design to interactive experience design.

One aspect of DesignInspire that draws much attention each year is the combination of global makers whose products grace the exhibition. This year is no exception, with a selection of producers from less-heralded countries such as Poland sitting cheek by jowl with those from more established design markets such as Japan.

Two brands from the former country are sure to spark some interest this year. Design store KLIP Lifestyle specialises in bringing Polish design to the world, which is both underrated and sophisticated. The founders describe Polish design as exhibiting ‘strength, elegance, structural awareness and a definite sense of durability’, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the mid-century RM58 chair.

One of the earliest examples of polyester-glass laminate furniture, the piece was originally designed in 1958 by Roman Modzelewski. Two of the chairs have found homes at the V&A and the MoMA, and its modern iteration is now in serial production for the first time. Manufactured exactly as the original — manually at a shipyard using marine production technologies — the chair is sealed with a synthetic coloured resin that guarantees extended longevity.

Fellow Polish brand MIGALOO HOME specialises in creating innovative furniture and homewares in collaboration with highly regarded European producers, keeping a tight rein on quality control across a range that combines aesthetics with functionality, and traditionalism with modern forms. This year the firm is highlighting its custom products made with Migaloo Rock, a combination of Italian clear resin, conglomerate rock and decorative elements such as the gold leaf used in its New Beginning series. The renewable surface is not only beautiful, it can be polished locally for easy upkeep.

Perennial favourite Japan offers two companies showcasing premium building materials, all exemplifying the country’s particular blend of traditional craftsmanship and art with innovative modern design. Woodworks is an innovative brand focusing on the transformation of century-old hardwood into modern home finishes such as doors and kitchens for its Aria & Aura range — this custom kitchen cabinetry will be the company’s highlight at DesignInspire. The wooden pieces are carefully chosen and cut into 2mm-thick veneers, maximising the usage of the precious material while lending the pieces an evocative charm only old wood can provide.

Lighting company Yahiro has more than 50 years of experience across all types of lighting, but it’s still innovating. For DesignInspire, the brand is bringing a series of three lights by three different designers. The pieces are all highly contemporary and striking in their own ways, but their unifying concept is the phenomenon of light transmitted through thin gold leaf. As gold absorbs blue and green light, the light given off appears to be blue-green. The effect is truly stunning, and a fine example of how even familiar objects can be reimagined and change the way we live.

DesignInspire runs from 5–7 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

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