Kenneth Cobonpue Makes Fantastic Creatures Come Alive At Design Fair
The superstar Cebu designer combines natural materials and playful themes at Salone del Mobile 2018
Cebu designer Kenneth Cobonpue has been feted as a design star for more than a decade, and continues to wow the industry at international fairs such as the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, which he has been joining for the past five years.
The designer often looks to nature, technology, and play for inspiration. “People love movies, social media, and toys because they provide escape from the real world,” explains Kenneth. “It’s a thrill to take a glimpse into what else is out there. We want to capture that sense of wonder in our designs and create pieces that have drama and originality to transport people to a place of fantasy and imagination.”
His 2018 collection, which was showcased at the Salone, captures this whimsical playfulness, and reminds us never to lose our childlike wonder.
The elephant desk
Named after the famous gentle giant of the beloved children’s book, the Babar Cabinet made of woven fiber opens to reveal a desk with drawers, shelves, bag storage, a corkboard, and even a tail that serves as a mini-broom!
Birds of a feather
Flock together…like these Kala vases, which emulate the birds of the wild with their legginess and elegant plumage. These stone vases, which are sold in pairs, are perfect when seen strutting atop a table.
People power lamp
Hundreds of individual figurines clamber up the base of a lamp. A takeoff from Kenneth’s popular Little People collection, the result is both dramatic and meaningful, showing what happens when people unite and work together.
Green chemistry
Alchemy planters’ suspended design shaped like the silhouettes of chemistry containers shows an open connection between nature’s elements to cultivate life. The planters are named after famous scientists (Pierre, Marie, Louis, and Linus).
Find original Kenneth Cobonpue pieces at The Residences, San Lorenzo Tower, Esperanza St. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City, or visit their website
