Showroom Next Door SS11: Armando Cabral

In addition to offering a sneak peek in to the latest collections of some old Style Salvage favourites in Casely-Hayford, Mr Hare and H By Harris, the latest Showroom Next Door allowed me the opportunity to inspect the debut offering from Armando Cabral. Just last month, I introduced the exciting footwear line to you all but yesterday was my first real chance to see the designs and to talk through them with the man behind it all.

My first chance to see the collection in person.

Having already made his mark on the catwalk, his namesake shoe range is the next step. The footwear line sees Cabral team up with Rucky Zambrano who spearheaded innovation and technology at Vibram before serving as Head Designer for shoes and accessories at Hugo Boss. Together, they make quite a team. The combination of Cabral's innate style and Zambrano's eye for design and attention to detail has created an elegant addition to the men's footwear market. Cabral is a man that oozes style from every pore and he wore his product exceedingly well in the showroom.

The ideal, everyday summer shoe.

The hand painted boat moccasin

My personal favourite, blue suede desert boot.

The huarache sandal

As you can see, the SS11 collection offers a full range of summer classics including desert boots, boating moccasin and woven sandals, all with an individual design signature. The huarache sandal (above) for example, has been updated with the addition of a vulcanized rubber sole, to combine the sophistication of the traditional upper with the flexibility of modern technology, while the boating moccasin comes in supple Swiss leather, with a hand painted finish for the coloured versions. The lasted constructions are lined in high quality calf leather, with suede, full grain and cotton canvas outers. Handmade in Italy out of the highest quality materials, the range includes modern takes on classic shapes, all the while showcasing attention to detail and a vibrant colour palette. The range offered a much needed dose of summer sunshine to my previously grey September Sunday. This holiday feeling was enhanced further with a flick through the look book.

Armando Cabral SS11