Zaha Hadid to exhibit at Hong Kong's International Design Furniture Fair
Dezeen promotion: the first edition of the International Design Furniture Fair will take place in Hong Kong from 21 to 23 August (+ slideshow).
Initiated by a group of international architects who are now based in the city, the event aims to "establish Hong Kong as a design centre and to make great design more accessible".
Brands and designers including Cassina, Alessi and Zaha Hadid will be showcasing collections at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in the Wan Chai district.
"Each exhibitor will have complete freedom to design their exhibition gallery in a way that best reflects its brand ethos and history, with some spaces created by leading architects," said the organisers.
A programme of talks and group discussions will run alongside the fair, with speakers including Michael Ng of Foster + Partners and Lyndon Neri of Neri & Hu – see the full programme.
A pre-show exhibition and reception will be held on the 21 August, with the fair opening to the general public on the following day.
Dezeen are media partners for the event and tickets are available to purchase from the IDFF website.
Read on for more information from the organisers:
Hong Kong is set to stage the inaugural International Design Furniture Fair Hong Kong, Asia's first luxury design, furniture and lifestyle fair this August.
Prestigious brands from the world will showcase their latest products in specially designed exhibition spaces at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A speaker programme and panel discussions with some of the most influential names in design and architecture will complement the fair, which will be open to the public on 22-23 August.
IDFFHK's exhibitors are a who's who of design from Europe, including Poltrona Frau (Italy), Cassina (Italy), Lalique (France), Baccarat (France), Alno (Germany), the renowned architect Zaha Hadid Collections (UK) and many many more.
The fair, in association with UBS, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Italian Trade Commission, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and Hong Kong Interior Design Association, will change the public's appreciation and perception of furniture and design in Asia.
"A chair is not just a chair, a table is not just a table; with good design, a chair becomes art, a table becomes a masterpiece," said Ms Winnie Yue, founder and director of IDFFHK.
It will pioneer the way that furniture, kitchens and home accessories is brought together and displayed in a thoughtfully curated manner. Each exhibitor will have complete freedom to design their exhibition gallery in a way that best reflects its brand ethos and history, with some spaces created by leading architects.
Renowned French crystal house Lalique is thrilled about the opportunity, saying "IDFFHK is a wonderful platform for bringing the legacy of Rene Lalique's artistry into modern living".
The time is right for an event of this calibre to take place in Asia. China and the rest of Asia is now the global powerhouse for growth in the luxury sector. Hong Kong's favourable trade and business climate and its location as the gateway to China, coupled with the region's fast growing appreciation of quality and craftsmanship have made it an international hub for fine wine, watches and contemporary art. Now it's the turn for exquisite design to be in the spotlight. The fair also provides an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors, discerning consumers, and people in the design and property industry to connect and do business.
The exciting three-day programme includes such luminary keynote speakers as Fred Clarke, senior principle, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects; Michael Ng, partner, Foster + Partners; Lyndon Neri, founding partner, Neri & Hu Design and Research Office; Andre Fu, principle, AFSO; Pinky Lai, former chief designer, Porsche; and Vincent Pang, winner of the competition to design the West Kowloon Cultural District Arts Pavilion.
"It marks the first step for Hong Kong where the community of luxury furniture designs can be celebrated under one roof," says Mr Fu, who designed The Upper House hotel in Hong Kong and the Fullerton Bay hotel in Singapore.
A pre-show VIP exhibition and reception attended by leading architects, designers, retailers, buyers, developers, celebrities and media will be held on Friday 21 August. Members of the public from Hong Kong and other parts of Asia and the world will be welcome to attend on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August, where they can purchase beautiful pieces at the fair to enhance their home.