Kenneth Cobonpue


Kenneth Cobonpue is a Filipino industrial designer known for his unique designs 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 in Cebu, operating from his headquarters on the island.
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.
Cobonpue designs have appeared in full-length films such as Ocean's 13 and CSI Miami while his roster of clientele includes 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.

Timeline of collections

1980 – Lotus
1998 – Yin Yang – Kenneth 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 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

Further Reading & Special Appearances

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

NEDA Region 7 chair

In March 2017, Cobonpue was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as chairperson of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Development Council for Central Visayas.