CovetED is thrilled to announce the opening of the United States largest display of the famous designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s self-named furniture collection, and lighting and accessories brand, Hive. Located on the 4th floor of the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington, the new showroom will permanently house their newest collections, beautiful artwork, furniture, and a selection of iconic classics.

With a worldwide reputation for providing imaginative solutions to any design challenge the renowned New York Design Center is an ideal choice for Cobonpue’s new showroom. 200 Lex is home to more than 100 showrooms representing upwards of 500 lines of fine residential and contract furniture, textiles, wall and floor covering, lighting, kitchen and bath, and accessories. The New York Design Center has been committed to transforming and enhancing both living and working environments for more than 85 years standing as the oldest furniture and design building in the country.

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Kenneth Cobonpue is an exceptional designer known for his distinct designs which blend natural materials and innovative handmade construction processes. Originally from the Philippines he began his design journey studying Industrial Design in New York, from there he traveled to Italy and Germany where he worked and continued to perfect his craft. Cobonpue has won several awards for his furniture designs, was noted by Time Magazine as “Rattan’s first virtuoso”, and boasts an extensive A-list client roster that includes Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt and royal figures. Each year the designer reveals new work at design shows from Paris to New York, and recently he was named the “Designer of the Year” at the first edition of Maison et Objet Asia held in Singapore in March 2014.

Profoundly inspired by the tradition of craftsmanship that has been passed down from generation to generation, Cobonpue set out to create a furniture brand that makes great use of these expert hands to produce modern and bold designs. Using a variety of materials suitable for interior and exterior use, the common factor in all of the pieces is the production process, which remains primarily handmade.  Creating with natural fibers and materials, Cobonpue’s use of organic locally found materials combined with progressive handmade fabrication techniques, results in a collection that has amassed him both international recognition and a dedicated following.

Kenneth Cobonpue is devoted to sustaining the heritage of craft while also incorporating the new in both his furniture collection and Hive. He believes that customers will not only be able to relate to the scale of his designs, but also to realize the extraordinary workmanship that went into each piece.

Hive, Cobonpue’s lighting and home accessories design house, was founded in 2001 when a group of friends, inspired by Giulio Cappellini and his concept of the design house, pursued a vision to create lighting and accessories. After some time Hive developed into a design and manufacturing facility where various artists can make objects for production under one roof.  Under the art direction of Kenneth Cobonpue and management of Celso Advincula Jr., Hive promotes an environment of creative freedom. Kenneth Cobonpue’s lighting became part of Hive and was set up as an associated company to Kenneth Cobonpue with separate design and production facilities. This complementary partnership allows Hive to seamlessly merge exquisite design and cutting-edge manufacturing.

Today Hive is a collective of designers and artisans who continue to produce exceptional lighting and home accessory collections, adding value to every space they inhabit. Hive has created a niche for itself by highlighting natural forms and materials integrated with innovative methods of handmade production. The conservation of traditional hand-working techniques allows Hive to perpetuate an element of culture for generations to come.

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Kenneth Cobonpue considers the opening of the new showroom in New York to be a step toward reaching an important market, but it also seems to be a special moment for him, as he attended design school at New York based Pratt Institute. Cobonpue sincerely admits that for quite some time designers have been asking for a place where they can bring clients to see and touch the products, and to understand and appreciate the innovative techniques and workmanship that go into each piece. In his point of view, it is wonderful to finally have this kind of a presence in New York City.

The new Kenneth Cobonpue flagship showroom is an excellent source for beautiful and organic design and decoration for both the indoors and out. The ultra talented Cobonpue’s finest design products will be showcased along with a growing collection of designs purely made by hand and with sustainable materials.  The space will provide a welcoming, versatile, and energetic atmosphere that will inspire and educate the vibrant New York market.