Armando Cabral: Fashion, identity & sense of space
Armando Cabral ’s story is anything but ordinary – and that is precisely what makes his perspective so exciting. Born in Guinea-Bissau, raised in Portugal, studied in London, became famous on international catwalks – and finally arrived in New York as the founder of his own brand ARMANDO CABRAL. His designs tell stories of origin, culture and identity – and he is now also telling this story in interior design.
With his new home collection ARMANDO CABRAL A CASA, he has recently taken the step into the world of living. And this is exactly where the creative collaboration with USM begins.
NKYINKYIM – More than furniture: A narrative of shapes, colors and emotion
Inspired by the Adinkra symbol „Nkyinkyim“ – a sign from West Africa that stands for the winding path of progress – a collection was created that is as powerful as it is poetic. In collaboration with USM designed unique pieces of furniture for Cabral, including:
- an expressive USM bookcase
- an asymmetrical platform bed that combines lightness with stability
- a lounge chair with a strong presence
- a side table as a quiet haven of peace
- an elegant coat stand with a sculptural effect
These bespoke pieces are accompanied by carefully curated accessories from Cabral’s own line – from bed linen to cushion covers that lend the rooms a textile warmth.
The combination of clear USM structures and soft, hand-picked materials impressively demonstrates how modular furniture construction can be not only functional but also emotional.
Discover more about the modularity and diversity of USM
Between flexibility and cultural depth
Cabral sees USM Haller ’s modularity as more than just a practical principle – he recognizes it as a symbol of diversity and change:
„The USM Modular Furniture system, with its individual components that together form coherent, functional structures, reflects the essence of NKYINKYIM.“
This statement sums up why this collaboration is so powerful: it shows how modularity, identity and cultural expression can be combined to create a new, inspiring style of living. Rooms become personal stories – stylish, flexible and profound.
Premiere at New York Fashion Week: design meets fashion
The presentation of the collection took place at the same time as New York Fashion Week took place in the USM showroom in New York – a deliberate staging that unites rather than separates design and fashion. Partners such as Amalia Home Collection, rruka, fefo Studio, Nordic Knots, Alkemis Paints and Savoir Beds underline the international dimension of this project – a stage for cultural diversity, modern craftsmanship and inspiring interior design.
Rethinking design – with USM and Bruno Wickart AG
At Bruno Wickart AG, we share this passion for individuality, quality and emotional spaces. Armando Cabral’s vision of reinterpreting living fits perfectly with our aspiration to design spaces that not only look good, but also feel good. As an official partner and consultant for USM Haller furniture, we help you to implement your own personal furnishing idea – flexibly, stylishly and with real depth.
Whether custom-made, color selection or configuration – with the USM online configurator you can design your piece of furniture easily and intuitively. And if you want to experience it live: Visit our stylish showroom in Zug, where design becomes tangible.
Conclusion: When origin meets vision
The USM x Armando Cabral collaboration is much more than a design project – it is a meeting of two worlds that together create something completely new. Between African roots, European clarity and urban lifestyle, a collection has been created that not only rethinks living, but feels it in a new way.
Be inspired now – discover USM Haller in a new form at Bruno Wickart AG.
To the USM range at Bruno Wickart.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the USM x Armando Cabral cooperation
What is NKYINKYIM?
NKYINKYIM is a West African symbol that stands for the path of progress – with all its challenges and twists and turns. Armando Cabral’s collection is inspired by this.The NKYINKYIM collection
The NKYINKYIM collection consists of the following 5 furniture configurations:
MANJAK Lounge Chair
MANJAK Lounge Chair – A cozy retreat with cultural depth
The MANJAK Lounge Chair from the USM x ARMANDO CABRAL collection is more than just a piece of seating – it is a tribute to heritage, security and the gentle power of design. Named after the Manjak people, his mother’s ethnic group, Armando Cabral imbues this piece with a deeply personal meaning that is reflected in every line and detail.
A milestone for USM: organic meets precision
With the MANJAK armchair, USM is breaking new design ground. For the first time, the iconic, modular structure of the USM Haller system is combined with soft, organic shapes – and with impressive elegance. The result is a lounge chair that combines architectural clarity with emotional warmth.
Design to arrive
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The gently curved silhouette invites you to lean back – perfect for relaxing hours of reading or as a stylish haven of peace in the living room.
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The finely coordinated upholstery and ergonomic shape create a feeling of familiarity and well-being – a real „at home“ feeling.
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In combination with the ARKAD side table and the OKINKA valet stand, an interior ensemble is created that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also conveys cultural depth and personality.
The MANJAK lounge chair stands for tranquillity, elegance and identity – a design piece that tells stories, evokes emotions and at the same time is well thought out in terms of function and form. A modern classic, created for people who see more than just rooms in their home: an expression of themselves.
ARKAD Side Table / side table
ARKAD Side Table – versatility in perfect balance
The ARKAD side table from the exclusive collaboration USM x ARMANDO CABRAL is a stylish companion for any room – subtle in expression but strong in design. Designed as a harmonious complement to the MANJAK lounge chair and the OKINKA coat rack, this table combines aesthetics and function in a subtle, sophisticated way.
Perfectly shaped and functional
With its balanced proportions, the ARKAD side table blends effortlessly into a wide variety of interiors – whether in the living area, bedroom or home office. Its clear design language and modular structure reflect USM’s design DNA while expressing Cabral’s cultural and artistic sensibility.
More than just storage space
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The practical storage elements offer space for books, magazines, decorations or everyday objects – everything is within easy reach and stylishly stowed away at the same time.
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Its understated elegance makes it the ideal accent piece that does not push itself to the fore, but enhances and complements the room.
The ARKAD side table is a prime example of how furniture can not only be functional, but also culturally inspired, well thought-out and emotionally appealing – a design object with character that brings calm, order and expression into the home.
OKINKA Valet Stand / Cloakroom
OKINKA Valet Stand – elegance, order and cultural depth
The OKINKA valet stand, designed as part of the exclusive USM x ARMANDO CABRAL collaboration, is far more than a functional piece of furniture – it is a powerful statement of style, history and personal expression.
Named after Queen Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa, a revered leader from the Bijagós Islands in Guinea-Bissau, this design embodies both strength and elegance. The wardrobe pays tribute to her legacy – with a design language that is as graceful as it is practical.
Function meets sensitivity
The OKINKA Valet Stand combines artistic aesthetics with cleverly thought-out functionality:
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Hinged doors provide concealed storage space for accessories and personal items – stylishly and seamlessly integrated.
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The open layout provides an overview and quick access to your wardrobe – perfect for an organized start to the day.
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A generous full-length mirror harmonizes light, space and function.
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The integrated hand-woven seat rounds off the piece of furniture with a touch of traditional craftsmanship and comfort.
Every detail of this piece of furniture has been designed with a clear vision: To combine order, sophistication and cultural significance.
The OKINKA Valet Stand stands for a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle – inspired by history, supported by design and created for people with a sense of aesthetics, identity and quality.
MANSA Asymmetrical Platform Bed / Bed
MANSA Asymmetrical Platform Bed – Royal comfort with cultural heritage
The MANSA platform bed from the USM x ARMANDO CABRAL collaboration is a powerful combination of function, elegance and history. Inspired by Mansa Musa, the legendary king of the Mali empire, this bed not only brings tranquillity to the room, but also a piece of cultural self-confidence. It stands for richness – not just materially, but in the sense of depth, meaning and creative power.
Sculptural design meets practical intelligence
The MANSA Asymmetrical Platform Bed is deliberately designed differently. Its asymmetrical shape gives it an architectural strength that catches the eye without being obtrusive. At the same time, it is more than just an aesthetic piece of furniture:
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Integrated storage space ensures order and lightness in the bedroom – stylishly concealed, but always within easy reach.
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The frame’s own panels with recessed details create space for personal accents – whether books, mementos or small accessories.
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The combination of the iconic USM structure and Cabral’s culturally influenced design language gives the bed a unique character – powerful, elegant and profound.
A bed with history and style
The MANSA bed embodies everything that USM x Armando Cabral stands for: Design with soul. It brings a new perspective to the sleeping area – as an expression of identity, as a place of retreat and as a stage for conscious living.
The MANSA platform bed is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a statement in the bedroom that combines comfort, function and cultural elegance. A true masterpiece – royal in name, unique in design.
NKYINKYIM Bookshelf / Bookshelf
NKYINKYIM Bookshelf – A bookshelf as a symbol of change and growth
The NKYINKYIM Books helf from the exclusive USM x ARMANDO CABRAL collection is much more than a functional shelf – it is a sculptural statement that tells a profound story. Inspired by the eponymous Adinkra symbol „Nkyinkyim“ from West Africa, this piece of furniture stands for the winding paths of life – for progress, challenges and constant transformation.
A shelf that stores more than just books
Each element of the NKYINKYIM Bookshelf was designed with the aim of both creating order and conveying meaning. It is a tribute to the journey of personal and collective growth – to the ups, downs and curves that shape our lives.
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The modular structure is based on the iconic USM Haller system and can be flexibly adapted to your needs – from airy open compartments to closed modules for discreet storage space.
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Its architectural presence adds depth to any room – whether as a stylish library, design object or as a stage for personal mementos.
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The arrangement of the elements does not follow a rigid symmetry, but reflects the dynamism and liveliness expressed by the Nkyinkyim symbol.
An expression of identity, movement and strength
This bookshelf is not just about knowledge and organization, but about resilience and change. It reminds us that spaces are more than just places – they are mirrors of our journey.
With the NKYINKYIM Bookshelf, you not only bring an extraordinary piece of design furniture into your home, but also a strong symbol of progress, cultural depth and style-conscious living. Ideal for people who are not just looking for a shelf, but a place for stories – their own.