Kenneth Cobonpue

Name: Kenneth Cobonpue

Age: 53 years old
Date of Birth: December 16, 1968
Nationality: Filipino
Occupation: Industrial Designer
Years active: 25
Known for: Unique design integrating natural materials through innovative handmade
production processes
Spouse(s): Susanne Cobonpue
Children: 2

INTRODUCTION:

Kenneth Cobonpue is a Filipino industrial designer known for his unique design integrating
natural materials through innovative handmade production processes. He began his design
career after his studies in Industrial Design in New York, which led him to apprenticeships and
further studies in Italy and Germany. Cobonpue pioneered the integration of design,
manufacturing, and global distribution as well as branding Cebu, operating from his
headquarters on the island.

AWARDS:

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

CAREER HISTORY:

Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer from Cebu,

Philippines. His passage to design began in 1987, studying Industrial Design at the Pratt
Institute in New York. While completing his studies, he apprenticed for a leather and wood
workshop near Florence, Italy. 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.

TIMELINE OF COLLECTIONS:

1980 – Lotus (patented)

1998 – Yin Yang – Cobonpue's first design.

1999 – Balou
2000 – Pigalle, 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 Tool, 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

2018 – Star Wars Collection - in collaboration with the Disney Company Philippines