USM & Armando Cabral Unveil Furniture Collection Infused With African Symbolism
Including a bookshelf, bed, end table, chairs, and valet tray conceived with the Guinea-Bissau-born fashion designer.
Fashion designer Armando Cabral and home furnishing brand USM Modular Furniture have teamed up for a collaboration inspired by his West African cultural roots. Today, the collaborators unveiled a dynamic range of pieces including a bookshelf, a storage bed, an end table, and a tray that pay homage to Cabral’s heritage through the lens of USM’s sleek style.
The title of the collection “NKYINKYIM” borrows the Adrinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, representing the winding path of progress and challenges. The shape of the symbol is reflected in the bookshelf, which lends its form to USM’s modular construction effortlessly, winding back and forth, and standing on four main legs.
Elsewhere, the bed frame shown in a warm orange tone, makes a bold statement with its extended headboard and built-in nightstands. Cabral also translates USM’s design vernacular to a semi-upholstered armchair, showcased in olive green with brown patterned cushions. On the significance of the design features Cabral said “To me, the modular nature of USM’s designs symbolizes that—the way each component forms a cohesive, functional structure” in a statement from the brand.
Showing at the USM Soho showroom from February 12th to May 1, the installation also includes pieces from Cabral’s A CASA homeware line. During the exhibition, Cabral’s work will be joined by a curation of pieces from exhibit partners Rruka, Fefo Studio, Amalia Home Collection, Nordic Knots, Alkemis Paints and Savior Beds.
See USM and Armando Cabral’s NKYINKYIM line in the gallery above.
