Online-to-offline portal shows the world great Hong Kong design

It wasn't so long ago that Hong Kong design and its history were considered a contradiction in terms. International design schools such as the Royal College of Art in London, weren't interested and even local establishments were somewhat dismissive of the concept, preferring students to emulate foreign innovation and techniques.

Although, more than 30 years later, attitudes towards Hong Kong design have changed for the better, emerging designers in the city are still finding it tough to achieve commercial recognition and success.

"The harsh reality for Hong Kong designers is that most Hong Kong people still appreciate overseas design more," says David Chiu Kwok-wai, founder of furniture and homeware store Aluminium. "They think that something created and made overseas must be better while local stuff should be cheaper and isn't valued as much."

The brainchild of Kiesly Tsang of Kiesly Tsang Concepts, Design 1+1 aims to support and promote local designers by helping them to create brand value, communicate their concepts to local and international audiences, and generate revenue - aspects of a business that might not necessarily be their forte. It does this by featuring the products of its chosen designers on its website for consumers to buy, as well as by placing products in prominent stores and working with other selected partners such as hotels, developers, interior designers and architects to build an offline presence.

"We combine business and creativity, introducing Hong Kong designers to their city and the world at large," says Tsang, who has worked in the fashion, textiles and design community for more than 10 years and for whom originality is key.

"I care a lot about craftsmanship, quality and the story behind the object. Products don't need to have an awesome genius function, but please don't propose something like an iPhone case with cats on it. That kind of thing won't work on our platform."

A self-confessed lover of cool and quirky objects, Tsang says the idea was partially born out of a desire to build her own shopping platform and store so that she could share the things she admired.