Armando Cabral is the Founder and Creative Director of his eponymous footwear collection. Born in Guinea-Bissau, Cabral’s career in fashion didn’t begin behind-the-scenes as many do. Instead, he got his start on the runway where he began modeling while simultaneously earning his degree in business administration. Garnering the attention of top European fashion houses, Cabral’s sophisticated look and confident stride have graced the industry’s top shows and campaigns, including Calvin Klein, Dries Van Noten, Thom Browne, Louis Vuitton, and perhaps his most familiar and pervasive work, as the face of J.Crew menswear.
Cabral’s innate love for shoes and knowledge of luxury fashion led him to notice an opportunity in the market for a shoe that offered a timeless elegance with high-performance construction. Handsome, classic, fashion-forward form meets comfortable, technical function.
Armed with this inspiration, ideas and sheer tenacity, Cabral fully immersed himself in shoe design and production, intimately involved in every detail along the way.
His resulting inaugural collection was released in 2009 to include every style a modern man might need to create a streamlined footwear wardrobe: loafers, derby shoes, boots and sneakers, all made from an array of fine leathers and time honored artisanal craftsmanship. Each style is designed to evolve with the needs of the men who wear them, as lines are blurred between casual and formal, timeless and modern. Today, the critically-acclaimed collection continues to amass loyal fans who are drawn to the minimalist design, technical interiors, and an aesthetic that at once feels classic and cutting-edge.
The founder and creative director of his eponymous luxury men’s footwear brand, Mr Armando Cabral was born in Guinea-Bissau, raised in Portugal, educated in England, and now lives in New York. Armed with inspiration, craftsmanship, and sheer tenacity, he is intimately involved in every detail of his brand’s shoes, down to its give-back programme, which is aimed at educating children in his home country in West Africa.
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FAVORITE CITY
Lisbon - a very charming and melancholic city that doesn't feel like the capital of a country, and yet very vibrant. Great food, amazing weather, and geographically well located.
TRAVEL TIP
Always pack light and weather appropriate.
WATCH
Vintage Longines Men’s Mechanical 34mm in 14kt Yellow Gold.
FAVORITE DESIGNER
Dries Van Noten. I have modeled for the house for many years and I fit their suits very well.
BOOK
The Power of Now: by Eckhart Tolle.
GROOMING
Lavett and Chin - they use all natural ingredients in their products.