ARMANDO CABRAL MERCADO

Supermodel-turned-designer Armando Cabral celebrated the grand opening of his NYC store, Armando Cabral Mercado, and unveiled a collaboration with the fine artist Willie Cole. The theme of the opening celebration was “A Journey to Africa and Beyond”. Armando is the designer, founder, and creative director of his own luxury footwear and lifestyle brand, which can be visited inside Rockefeller Center.

Following this event, Armanda announced his limited-edition apparel collaboration with Willie, which includes the “WILLIE” short sleeved linen shirt. The collection includes 6 styles and 9 total SKUs, all named for Cabral’s friends and family. The “WILLIE” features the iconic “scorched irons” pattern created by fine artist and close friend, Willie Cole. Cole, who was also a part of the initial conversations around apparel was quick to lend his influence. Cole asserts, “his familiarity with the symbols of his culture allowed him to see and appreciate the symbols that I have created in my fine art.”