Kenneth Cobonpue

Brief Background

Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-awarded industrial designer known for his unique designs integrating natural materials with innovative handmade production processes. He began his passage to design when he studied Industrial Design in New York, which led him to apprenticeship and further studies in Italy and Germany

Cobonpue pioneered on integrating design, manufacturing and global distribution and branding from his headquarters on the island of Cebu.

Awards to his credit include Hong Kong’s Design for Asia Award, the Japan Good Design Award, American Society of Interior Designers Selection, the French Coup de Coeur Award and the first Asian Designer of the Year title given by the prestigious Maison et Objet in Paris.

Cobonpue designs have appeared in full-length films such as Oceans 13 and CSI Miami while his roster of clientele include Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty. TIME Magazine has called him “rattan’s first great virtuoso."

Interior Crafts of the Islands, Inc. (I.C.I)

After a series of further studies and apprentices abroad, Kenneth moved back to Cebu in 1996 to help manage their family business founded by his mother in 1972. Upon managing the business, Kenneth discovered that by the use of natural fibers and materials as a medium, modern design could have a new face. His mastery of techniques was challenged by the abundance of the country’s raw materials and skilled craftsmen. He slowly started creating new pieces from that idea, thus forming the collection today. From that he launched a revolution to the Western definition of modern design.


Affiliations

Hive

Hive traces its origin back in 2001 when a group of friends acted upon a vision of producing exceptional lighting and interior accessories. Hive then developed into a design and manufacturing facility where various artists can create objects for production under one roof. From then on, the visionary design house has resonated with busy occupants working incessantly, producing a growing collection of lighting and living accessories both stunning and versatile.

Building on a promise of functional items founded by innovative design, Hive cultivates an environment of creative freedom through the strong sense of aesthetic and creative direction of Kenneth Cobonpue and management of Celso Advincula Jr, founders of the brand. This partnership continuously complement one another allowing HIVE to become a seamless collaboration of design excellence and innovative manufacturing.

Hive has found its niche by garnering most form or material inspiration from nature and fusing it with a deep respect for handmade production techniques. A deeper identity is found through the use of locally-sourced, self-sustaining organic materials such as rattan or abaca, with traditional processes creating innovative modern design. The preservation of traditional hand-working methods allows Hive to perpetuate a component of culture for future generations.

Movement 8

“To put a face on Filipino design” was the dream. It started in 1999, composed of the country’s finest and excellent designers, such as Al Caronan, Kenneth Cobonpue, Carlo Cordaro, Tony Gonzales, Milo Naval, Ann Pamintuan, Tes Pasola, Luisa Robinson, and Renato Vidal with Budji Layug as curator, came together to establish the Philippines as a competitor in the world’s high-end consumer market. That dream turned to reality thanks to Ely Pinto-Mansor, former executive director of the Centre for International Tarde Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and Budji Layug. Since much of the Filipino designers we’re not taken seriously as they were known for the lack of formal training in design and having limited exposure to the international market. Movement 8 helped promote and transformed the image of Filipino designers. The number 8 signifies eternity. Which is what Movement 8 is design is meant to be: Timeless in its elegance and sophistication. It also represent the Filipino designer’s eternal search for excellence.

Timeline of collections

1980 – Lotus (patented)

1998 – Yin Yang – Kenneth Cobonpue's first design. The two opposing elements take center stage. The combination of geometric and organic, pliable rattan with rigid steel and solid form with transparent volume. The collection is an integration of material, function and form.

1999 – Balou

2000 – Pigale, La Luna

2001 – Voyage

2002 – Yoda, Croissant, Kabuki, Lulu

2003 – Tilt, Matilda, Amaya, Dimple, Lolita, Terra

2004 – Chiquita, Lolah, Wave, Pirouette

2005 – Stitches, Retaso, Suzy Wong, Kawayan

2006 – Dragnet, Dimsum, Link

2007 – Kawayan Too, Manolo

2008 – Oasis, Noodle, Bouquet, Operetta

2009 – Bloom, Harry, Hagia, Freya, Nobu, Vaña

2010 – Rapunzel, Ima, Juniper, Ziggy

2011 – Cabaret, Papillion, Mermaid,Dream Catcher, Pebble, Giza, Enoki, Tria

2012 – Eclipse, Tropez, Zaza, Kaja, Parchment Table, Annika

2013 – Parchment, Calyx, Adesso, Trame, Papillion Swing

Awards and Achievements

BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand March 2015

Maison et Objet Asia Exhibition March 2014

Cabaret Sofa, Best of the Year Award November 29, 2012

Modern Decoration International Media Award Phoenix, December 2012

Cabaret Sofa, Architectural Digest Home Design Show March 22–25, 2012

Bloom Easy Armchair, SIDM Montreal, 2011

Bloom Easy ArmChair Maison et Objet 2009, Paris, France

Innovation Entrepreneur Award Shang-ri La Hotel, Makati, 2009

Lolah Easy Armchair Decorex 2008, London, UK

Manila Peninsula, November 6, 2007

Cebu International Furniture & Furnishings Exhibition Cebu City, Philippines

Philippine Furniture Industries Foundation Manila, Philippines

Balou Outdoor | High Point Show North Carolina, USA 2005

9th Annual IIDA/ Hospitality Design Product Competition May 5, 2005, USA

Lolah Collection | Business of Design Week by the Hongkong Design Centre November 21, 2005, Hongkong

Croissant Collection | Singapore International Furniture Design Competition 2004

Pigalle Easy Arm Chair, Kabuki Cbinet, One Night Stand Sofa C-U-C-ME Screen Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization Tokyo, Japan

Voyage Bed and Yin & Yang Easy Arm Chair Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization Tokyo, Japan

Achievement in the field of Arts & Design 2003

Citation given by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo 2002

International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2001 New York, USA

Further Reading & Special Appearances

  1. Wallpaper
  2. Newsweek
  3. TIME Magazine July 2006 ISSN 0040-781X

Other Media Magazines featuring Kenneth Cobonpue

References & External links

    Travel+Leisure Magazine (October 2009) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

    1. ↑ ?*Kenneth Cobonpue
    2. ↑
    3. ↑
    4. ↑
    5. ↑
    6. ↑