The DEDON Timeline: 35 Years of Innovation in Woven Outdoor Furniture

DEDON began with a bold idea: that outdoor spaces deserve the same high level of design and craftsmanship as the indoors. What started as an entrepreneurial leap of faith soon grew into a global design movement in outdoor living.

As we celebrate 35 years of DEDON, we’re reflecting on the defining moments that shaped our journey and built a brand recognized worldwide for its innovation and quality.

1990 – A Vision Takes Shape

At 26 years old, professional soccer player Bobby Dekeyser has an unexpected injury that opens the door to a fresh start. Driven by creativity and a desire to build something meaningful, he creates DEDON and lays the groundwork for a new era in outdoor living.

1993 – A Transformative Partnership

At a trade fair, Dekeyser meets a trust-worthy, skilled producer from the Philippines and decides to invest in the development of an 'outdoor living room.' He moves his family to Cebu for six months to begin developing the foundation of DEDON’s signature handwoven approach.

1994 – Production Begins

DEDON officially starts production, launching intensive research into creating a new kind of synthetic fiber, one that would ultimately set new standards for outdoor durability and design.

1995 – A Small Team with Big Ambition

The Dekeyser family relocates to a quiet croft in Germany’s Lüneburg Heath, transforming a barn into the company’s headquarters and warehouse. Goods are packed in the garden, a team of five fuels the operation, and the spirit of innovation drives everything forward.

1998 – A Design Icon Joins the Journey

Renowned Los Angeles designer Richard Frinier begins creating collections for DEDON. His visionary approach elevates the brand’s creative identity and helps propel DEDON into the global design spotlight.

2000 – DEDON-Owned Production

DEDON opens its own production facilities on Cebu. Unique in the outdoor industry, the company now owns and operates the complete supply chain of its handmade woven furniture, from fiber and frame to finishing and shipping.

DEDON Weaving in Cebu

2003 – International Acclaim

DEDON is represented in 30 countries across the globe. Breakthrough collections such as ORBIT and LOUNGE captivate design lovers worldwide, reinforcing DEDON’s position as a leader in elevated outdoor living. The first showroom has opened in Lüneburg, Germany.

2009 – Establishing DEDON Americas

DEDON opens its American office, expanding operations across the United States and North America. The brand’s presence grows rapidly with the opening of its first New York showroom, soon followed by locations in many major U.S. cities. DEDON also establishes an operations and logistics hub in Greensboro, NC, along with a distribution network that reaches the entire North American continent.

2011 – An Iconic New Lounger

The NESTREST hanging lounger, launched at Milan’s Salone del Mobile, becomes an overnight sensation.

2012 – Extending Beyond Woven Design

DEDON launches its first non-woven collection, the award-winning SEAX by Jean-Marie Massaud.

2014 – Expanding the Brand Experience

DEDON opens a new showroom in Los Angeles and moves its New York showroom to the iconic D&D Building. The DK Group assumes a majority stake, laying the groundwork for future expansion and innovation.

DEDON Designers

2017 – A Broader Materials Palette

DEDON diversifies its material offerings, adding teak, ceramic, sling fabric, and more to its portfolio. Now present in 80 countries with showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Dallas, DEDON continues to push the boundaries of outdoor luxury.

2020 – 30 Years of DEDON and the Launch of Soft-Touch Fiber

DEDON celebrates its 30th anniversary as well as 20 years of manufacturing at its own production facilities on Cebu and presents a new generation of fiber with a special soft touch. With 800 team members worldwide and bold new projects on the horizon, the company continues to thrive.

2024 – A Stronger American Presence

DEDON Inc. relocates its warehousing and cushion production to Virginia, enhancing service and efficiency. A new studio workspace opens in High Point, NC, long recognized as a global center of furniture design.

2025 – 35 Years of DEDON and the Launch of EcoCycle Fiber

This year, we celebrated DEDON’s 35th anniversary and proudly introduced EcoCycle Fiber, the next generation of our iconic performance fiber made from plant-based resources. Launched with our SEASHELL GRAND collection, it has been engineered with sustainability and longevity in mind and is a testament to our continued pursuit of innovation.

DEDON NESTREST, ORBIT, and SEASHELL GRAND

A Luxury Outdoor Furniture Legacy

From a spark of entrepreneurial creativity to a brand represented in 80 countries, DEDON’s journey has always centered on innovation, craftsmanship, and pushing the limits of what outdoor furniture can be. We look forward to honoring our heritage and shaping the future of outdoor living for decades to come.

Explore our collections on our website or visit one of our showrooms to experience DEDON’s innovative outdoor furniture for yourself.

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