Cover Photo by Scott Woodward
Photo by Scott Woodward
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Creative visionary Kenneth Cobonpue graces Smart Infinity’s docuseries Infinite Legacies to lend his mastery of design entrepreneurship to the younger generation
Kenneth Cobonpue is a name that hardly needs any introduction. Celebrated worldwide and no stranger to the opulent homes of royalty and celebrities all over the world, Cobonpue’s unparalleled works have not only garnered him massive acclaim—they have also propelled the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship to the global stage, doted by a captivated crowd.
See also: 7 Filipino Furniture Designers To Know: Bea Valdes, Kenneth Cobonpue, And More
Widely recognised for his artful and expressive pieces which often play up natural fibres like rattan and abaca, the Cebu-based furniture designer proudly waves the national flag wherever he goes through his refreshing inflexions and interpretations of Filipino design. Naturally an inspirational icon to contemporary artisans, Cobonpue befittingly headlined the latest episode of Infinite Legacies, Smart Infinity’s TV documentary series honouring some of today’s most influential changemakers.
“I believe in the Filipino creative,” relayed Cobonpue right off the bat. Imparting how the country’s creative sector is rife with the potential to thrive even further, he shared how he is continuously motivated by a passionate desire to teach and grow the local design community. He remarked, “The vocabulary of Filipino design is still being written today. I’d like to see a whole generation of designers after me add to that design vocabulary so that we have something truly unique and powerful in the world.”
See also: Designing for the Elements: Gelo Mañosa on What Sets Filipino Architecture Apart
Above Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity
Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity
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With this clear vision set in stone, Cobonpue has embarked on a design entrepreneurship programme alongside Smart Infinity where he mentors young designers in honing and refining the aesthetic, production process, and overall quality of their respective works. Further granting his mentees Marriel Colaljo and Chini Lichangco a generous sponsorship from Smart Infinity, Cobonpue also emphasised the essence of purposeful design entrepreneurship, saying, “You always have to think about the practical aspects of your craft. How much is it gonna go for? Who’s going to want it? Does the world need this? Always find a reason for your design’s existence.”
Such raison d'être is immediately present in Colaljo’s innovative and eco-friendly ‘Coquina’ handbag project which transforms repurposed plastic into a luxurious and sustainable accessory for every day. Lichangco’s ceramic ‘Maya Tea Set’, on the other hand, is an equally intricate ode to the artist’s tender craft, simultaneously pushing the envelope and cementing her signature style in an elegant décor piece.
See also: Architect Chi Yan Chan On Why Creativity Should Come First
Additionally bearing witness to how design inspiration can be drawn from anywhere, Cobonpue remarked, “Every piece that I do is in a way different. It’s always evolving because that’s just the way I am. Some of them may sell; some of them are going to be flops. But in the end, I want to look back and say that I’ve tried it all.” Indeed, while the world awaits what’s next for this certified changemaker, one can be sure his lustrous impact brought about by his impeccable portfolio and anchored advocacies will shine on and continue to inspire many.
Catch a recap of Kenneth Cobonpue’s story on Smart GigaPlay. Previous episodes featuring Bea Valdes, Len Cabili, and Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez are also available on the app.
For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers and updates on the next Infinite Legacies episode, visit the Smart Infinity website and follow them on Instagram.
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