Kenneth Cobonpue

Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue has built a career on the seamless intersection of craftsmanship, material innovation, and global vision. Rooted in Cebu’s storied weaving traditions, his namesake studio has become a symbol of contemporary Filipino design—where organic form meets thoughtful engineering. His creations, from the iconic Nautilus Chair to the Dolce Bed, continue to grace homes, hotels, and museums worldwide.

In 2022, Cobonpue became the first recipient of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Gawad sa Sining for Design, recognising his enduring impact on Filipino art and culture. His commitment to innovation and sustainability was further reflected in KCurated, a playful collaboration with Rustan’s in 2024, and his mentorship of emerging designers to preserve the country’s craft heritage.

In 2025, Cobonpue’s artistry took centre stage once more. His studio received the top distinctions at the Manila Fame Katha Awards for Best Booth Design and Best Product Design for the Curio Collection. The same year, he played a pivotal role in crafting over 200 handwoven panels for the Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, which later earned the Silver Award for Exhibition Design from the Bureau International des Expositions.

February 2025 also marked the opening of his reimagined Manila showroom in Bonifacio Global City—featuring FABLE Café + Lounge, an immersive design-and-dining space that went on to win Best Use of Colour at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2025. With this, Cobonpue continues to prove that Filipino design, when guided by imagination and integrity, belongs firmly on the world stage.