In 2008, he founded a premium footwear line. The shoes—from red deerskin leather high-tops to the shaggy rabbit fur “Jetset” slipper—were designed with Armando’s own lifestyle in mind, prioritizing sleek design, comfort and Italian craftsmanship. “The Armando Cabral man is a global nomad,” he says. “I believe the modern man requires a shoe that conveys a timeless aesthetic without sacrificing comfort.” To this day, he adheres to the simple advice of J. Crew CEO and personal mentor, Mickey Drexler, who once told him to always listen to his customers. As a result, his shoes walk a fine line between aspirational and affordable. “I wanted to create something that was beautiful and comfortable, but was not needlessly expensive,” he explains.
Now, his brand is sold at Mr Porter and Bloomingdale’s, with a flagship store in Lisbon. “To me, being an entrepreneur is a gift,” Armando says. “My greatest professional accomplishment has to be building this brand. It’s something I’ve done from the ground up, on my own. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
This story appeared in The Kinfolk Entrepreneur in 2017.