Meet the Showroom: Cobogó Gallery

What brought Cobogó Gallery to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour?

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is one of the most vibrant international hubs for interior design, and from the beginning, we felt it would be the ideal location to present Brazilian design and culture. It connects us directly to a sophisticated and global design community that values craftsmanship, heritage and innovation – all of which are at the heart of our work. Cobogó Gallery is proud to be part of this ecosystem, where we can introduce the richness of Brazilian modernist and contemporary furniture to a wider audience.

What should we expect from the showroom?

Our showroom is designed to feel like an immersive cultural experience – a warm and welcoming space that echoes the atmosphere of a Brazilian home. I drew inspiration from my childhood in Brazil and my grandfather’s home in Araras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which was filled with iconic pieces by modernist designers such as Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues and Michel Arnoult.

Visitors can relax, sit on the furniture, enjoy a coffee and take in the textures, materials and stories behind each piece. We’ve curated a wide range of material and finish samples and created a space that’s ideal for thoughtful conversations and client meetings. It’s not just a showroom – it’s a home for Brazilian design.

Why should people visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online?

There is simply no substitute for experiencing design in person. The feel of the wood, the weight of a chair, the texture of the leather or woven fibre – these are things that must be seen and felt. We encourage visitors to take a seat, enjoy the comfort of the designs and hear the stories behind them.

Brazilian design is attracting growing international interest because of its authenticity, strong cultural roots and celebration of craftsmanship. Our pieces are born from a rich mix of Indigenous knowledge, modernist experimentation and multicultural influence, and they carry a warmth and personality that truly resonate with people around the world.

What’s Cobogó Gallery’s philosophy? Is there a ‘hero’ product that you feel encapsulates your brand?

We see ourselves as curators, researchers and storytellers. Our philosophy is about embracing the unexpected, uncovering the rare, the forgotten, the extraordinary, and giving it new life. Every piece in our collection comes from deep research, careful curation and a commitment to authenticity. Many are reissued in close partnership with the families and archives of the original designers.

One piece that encapsulates this philosophy is the ‘Bahia’ armchair by Jean Gillon – minimal, timeless and perfectly suited to any contemporary or mid-century inspired home.

Are there broad trends in your sector of the design industry that you’re embracing?

At Cobogó Gallery, we embrace a mid-century modern aesthetic rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship and cultural depth. We focus on meaningful design – pieces that are not only visually compelling but also ecologically responsible and historically grounded.

Our furniture is handcrafted in Portugal using long-lasting materials and traditional techniques, ensuring quality and durability. Sustainability, for us, is not a passing trend but a core responsibility.

What can we expect from the latest collections? 

Our collection is constantly evolving. We are deeply committed to uncovering archives, recovering drawings and reintroducing pieces that deserve renewed attention, always with respect for their original context and craftsmanship.

This season, we present reissued mid-century designs by Bernardo Figueiredo, Jaime Lerner, Jean Gillon and Michel Arnoult – many shown in Europe for the first time, all produced under license and in dialogue with their families. Alongside them, new works by Luia Mantelli, Bruno de Carvalho, Porfírio Valladares and Estudio Orth showcase the continuity and creative force of contemporary Brazilian design.

What craftsmanship or innovation goes into your products?

All our reissues are developed with the full authorisation of the designers’ families or foundations, in close partnerships built on trust and shared respect. Behind each piece is a personal story – over the past year, we’ve recorded moving interviews with family members reflecting on their parents’ legacy in Brazilian design.

Production takes place in Portugal, where skilled craftspeople recreate each piece using original materials and methods. For Jean Gillon’s ‘Jangada’ armchair, we even consulted fishermen to recover the traditional net-weaving technique that inspired its design, bringing back a detail rooted in history and craft.

Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre’s community know about your brand?

We invite visitors to see Cobogó not only as a design gallery, but as a cultural space – a place to explore Brazil’s design heritage, connect with emerging voices and discover pieces that carry meaning and memory. Whether you’re an interior designer, collector or simply curious, we welcome you to step into a world where design tells a story.