MY LIFE’S WORK
Armando Cabral
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Armando Cabral is a man of many passions and pursuits. A model citizen, he approaches life by bringing his curiosity to everything he does. He’s led his own shoe brand for more than a decade, while being a father of two, finding purpose in his philanthropic efforts and rediscovering the beautiful history of his African heritage. Armando thrives on sharing his talents with an honest understanding of what that can mean now and in the future.
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“I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT LIFE. ABOUT CREATING BEAUTIFUL THINGS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT GIVING BACK.”
“ALL MY BEAUTIFUL IDEAS AND CREATIONS COME FROM A SOLID SENSE OF SELF.”
3 ARMANDO CABRAL || THE MAN
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“I HOPE TO LEAVE A BODY OF WORK THAT WILL LEAVE A LEGACY AND CONTRIBUTE TO GREATER THINGS. TO ME, THAT’S IMPORTANT.”
Armando has many roles in his life and for him there’s so much more to do. As a model, designer, entrepreneur and father, he’s clear that it takes a village. As his influence grows, he’s setting his sights on supporting causes in social justice and improving education in his childhood home of Guinea-Bissau in Africa. Always front of mind for Armando is finding ways for his life’s work to matter and contribute to the world his children will live in.
“IT’S NOT JUST LIMITED TO FOOTWEAR. IN EVERYTHING THAT I DO, I DO IT WITH THE INTENTION OF CONTRIBUTING TO A BETTER SOCIETY.”
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ARMANDO CABRAL || PASSION
In crafting this collection, Armando finds himself on a journey into his heritage, particularly his lineage from Guinea-Bissau. By incorporating pano di pinti, a unique social and cultural symbol, Armando reveals the diversity of his country and its people. There are two ethnic groups that are masters of this woven tradition, the Papel and the Manjaco.
“I WANTED TO HONOR MY MOTHER BY INTEGRATING THE WOVENS OF HER MANJACO ROOTS INTO EACH DESIGN IN MY COLLECTION. EVERY PIECE HAS ITS OWN STORY AND SYMBOLISM WHICH IS EXCLUSIVE TO ME.”
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“YOU’RE WEARING A PART OF MY HERITAGE.
THAT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. IT’S PERSONAL.”
THE ARMANDO CABRAL
COLLECTION FOR ALLEN EDMONDS
In his namesake collection, Armando blends African artisanal techniques with bespoke Italian craftsmanship, bringing his unique viewpoint to men’s shoes. Always celebrating Africa’s influence throughout world history from the past, present and into tomorrow, there’s a sense of community in each pair.
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“ANYONE CAN BUY FASHION, STYLE IS PERSONAL. I CONSIDER MY STYLE TO BE EASY, ELEGANT AND COMFORTABLE.”
9 ARMANDO CABRAL || PERFECTIONISM
“PERFECTION IS NOT A DESTINATION YOU STRIVE TO REACH, IT’S A CONTINUOUS PROCESS. IT DRIVES ME TO CONSTANTLY WORK MY CRAFT.”
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“ I LOVE COLORS. THEY REPRESENT A BOLDNESS THAT’S REFLECTED IN WHO I AM AS A PERSON. THEY SHOW MY UNIQUENESS.”
There’s an excitement that comes from Armando talking about the use of color and pattern in his designs. Proclaiming himself notorious for his use of burgundy, it’s the discernment in how he combines those colors with the signature woven bands on his loafers and the elegant process of pairing woven fabrics from Africa with precision Italian craftsmanship. An ARMANDO CABRAL shoe is one you notice from across the room. That’s exactly how he wants it.
“BOLD COLORS REVEAL THE WARMTH FROM MY HOME COUNTRY IN AFRICA. THEY ARE A SYMBOL OF CONFIDENCE.”
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ARMANDO CABRAL || COLOR
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“WITHOUT PASSION THERE CAN BE NO PRIDE. PRIDE IS ESSENTIAL TO MY CRAFT BECAUSE IT GIVES ME A PILLAR TO BUILD FROM.”
It comes from his heritage, knowing who he is. Knowing himself is a big aspect of the pride that inspires Armando’s work. There is a dimension of wanting to make people feel comfortable and sharing what he can do with others.
“THIS IS MY PASSION, THIS IS MY BRAND. I AM THE MOST PROUD WHEN I’VE CREATED SOMETHING I LOVE THAT I CAN SHARE.”
13 ARMANDO CABRAL || INSPIRATION
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“AMERICAN STYLE
IS DISTINCTIVE FOR ME. IT’S THE COMING TOGETHER OF MANY CULTURES. AN EXPRESSION OF INDIVIDUALISM.”
As two footwear makers that share a passion for creating, Allen Edmonds invited Armando to work with their designers and develop his own version of their eco-friendly moto boot. Adding a new buckle strap and wider, contrast stitching on the suede, he created the ARMANDO CABRAL Discovery Moto Boot. Each pair is handcrafted in Port Washington, Wisconsin and only available as part of a limited edition of 100. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Armando’s philanthropic efforts to benefit the African community and important social justice causes.
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“EVERY PIECE HAS IT’S OWN STORY AND SYMBOLISM. EVERY PIECE IS EXCLUSIVE TO ME.”
“FOOTWEAR, FOR ME, IS ESSENTIAL.”
As a model, after wearing so many poorly made and uncomfortable shoes on the runway, I had an idea: combine European bespoke craftsmanship with my African heritage to create a unique point of view. My ARMANDO CABRAL collection creates luxury, individuality and community in everyone we touch.
www.AllenEdmonds.com/ARMANDOCABRAL © 2021 Allen Edmonds Corporation
