In the heart of the Philippines, a remarkable story unfolds – the story of Kenneth Cobonpue, a visionary who transformed the world of furniture design and craftsmanship. From his humble beginnings as a curious young boy to becoming an internationally acclaimed Creative Director, Designer, and CEO, Kenneth's journey is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and a deep connection to his roots.
Kenneth's passion for furniture making ignited during his childhood, where he was immersed in the art of crafting alongside his mother, Betty Cobonpue, a pioneer in furniture design. In 1972, Betty founded Interior Crafts of the Islands, a modest venture that began in their backyard with just a handful of carpenters. As a child, Kenneth's imagination knew no bounds, and he fondly remembers crafting toys that "crawled, rolled, and flew from scratch."
Driven by a profound respect for Filipino craftsmanship, Kenneth envisioned a future where traditional techniques met modern aesthetics. He understood the value of preserving local skills while infusing them with fresh, contemporary designs. This vision led him to establish his namesake brand, Kenneth Cobonpue, in 2001, a bold move that would eventually earn him recognition as the Designer of the Year for Asia by Maison et Objet in 2014.
Despite challenges, Kenneth remained steadfast in his goal to create a distinct brand identity. He refused to let his designs be sold under different names worldwide, even if it meant risking the loss of clientele. His determination paid off, as Kenneth Cobonpue became synonymous with innovation, elegance, and Filipino artistry.
Kenneth's achievements are numerous and impressive. His brand has garnered accolades like the Japan Good Design Awards, Singapore International Design Competition, and the prestigious Design for Asia Award of Hong Kong. Notably, he was honored with the Gawad sa Sining Award, a recognition of his contribution to the Philippines' arts and culture scene.
As the creative force behind his company, Kenneth's designs have graced spaces across the globe. Collaborations with iconic brands like Vivienne Westwood and even Disney for Star Wars marked his brand's versatility and creativity. His pieces have found homes in restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and the residences of international personalities, showcasing his timeless appeal.
Kenneth's creations transcend time and borders, making appearances in campaigns, shows, and movies. Notably, the red Bloom chair was featured in the K-pop sensation Black Pink's fan gift cards, and the Matilda easy armchair played a role in the film "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum."
The culmination of Kenneth's efforts is Interior Crafts of the Islands, Inc., the manufacturing arm of KennethCobonpue®. This entity brings to life the superior quality furniture collections under Kenneth's brand. Today, KennethCobonpue® collections proudly exhibit their unique Filipino identity in over 15 countries worldwide.
For those seeking to experience the essence of Kenneth Cobonpue's creations, a visit to 3-A General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City, is a must. Additionally, you can connect with them through email at info@kennethcobonpue.com, and stay updated on their latest endeavors by following them on Facebook (Kenneth Cobonpue) and Instagram (@kennethcobonpue).
In the realm of furniture design, Kenneth Cobonpue stands as a true luminary, a visionary who took his childhood dreams and turned them into a global brand that embodies Filipino heritage, creativity, and innovation.
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