Andrew Byrne, The Cloakroom

Don’t lose sight of what it is you’re trying to achieve ...

Whether you pine for a particular style of lapel, curvature of the collar or cut of the cuff, chances are you’ve stepped foot into The Cloakroom seeking your perfect dress shirt. Hanging loft-like above Edward Street in the city, The Cloakroom is just one sartorial creation of Andrew Byrne. A purveyor of impeccable taste and contributor to the slow fashion movement, Andrew has reshaped the way Brisbane gents approach tailoring and modern basics. From its first residence in the old NAB building in the mall to the current location, The Cloakroom has grown tremendously in its five years since solving the missing made-to-measure piece in Brisbane’s fashion puzzle. Not one to rest on his laurels, Andrew has now taken things up a notch again, opening a flagship store in the refurbished Wintergarden for his ready-to-wear label Pistols At Dawn. The Weekend Edition sat down with Andrew to discover his perfect weekend.

How do you like to start your weekend?
A few precious extra minutes in bed is always good, but then it’s usually me cooking bacon and eggs for everyone.

What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Saturday is still a work day for me, but if I can squeeze it in, it’s always nice to get to the West End markets for something to eat and for some fruit and veg shopping.

How do you like to unwind?
At home with my wife and a gin and tonic.

What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A good breakfast to start, enough time to read the paper and somewhere green (often New Farm Park) with the family.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Getting to the beach, it’s been way too long.

What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Spending time with my wife and the kids, and enjoying this time of year when the heat has started to fade and the days are beautiful and clear.

What are you reading at the moment?
Nothing at the moment, I’ve been too immersed in Boardwalk Empire season 2.

What inspires you?
The people in my life – my family, my fantastic staff, and the great customers we have through the store.

What was your childhood dream?
I always dreamt of one day playing sport on the big stage.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Getting this far as a self employed business owner. Five years ago we started very small and it is very rewarding to see how far we have come.

What is success to you? 
Doing something that you love every day.

What are your words of wisdom?
Don’t lose sight of what it is you’re trying to achieve.

Only a local would know … you don’t have to dine fancy in Brisbane to enjoy a great meal. Makanan in West End is one of the best kept secrets for a delicious Indonesian meal.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:

Perk up … Ponycat, Fortitude Valley.
Relax … Our local park in Windsor.
Dine … Chinatown – Kim Lan does the best quail.
Indulge … Sardine Tin, South Bank.
Shop … The antique stores at Woolloongabba.
Catch-up … Sisco in Spring Hill.
Be inspired … New Farm Park.

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