Asia’s first luxury design, furniture and lifestyle fair Hong Kong is set to stage the inaugural International Design Furniture Fair Hong Kong ( IDFFHK ), Asia’s first luxury design, furniture and lifestyle fair this August. More than 20 of the world’s most prestigious brands will showcase some of their newest 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), Dedon (Germany), Lalique (France), Baccarat (France), Alno (Germany), the renowned architect Zaha Hadid Collections (UK) as well as Hong Kong’s own Tang Tang Tang Tang and 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,” says Ms Winnie Yue, Director, 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. 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. Not only will the fair be Asia’s premier showcase of luxury design, furniture and lifestyle, it will bring great design to an increasingly discerning public in Asia, and inspire everyone to make design a part of their life.