In the second part of my Local Heroes series, I'm giving you a little history lesson 

Flash back to 2007,  I had just started working in an awful office job and hating every minute of it. After 3 months, I took a chance and applied for a job in Carter, which was then Belfast's premier luxury fashion store. I didn't expect to hear anything back, but to my surprise I was called for an interview by Andrew himself and I ended up working there for memorable 2 years.

Working with such amazing clothes helped shape my personal style and improve my product and industry knowledge and I got the chance to meet some fantastic people. Andrew was/is the go-to-guy for suiting in Belfast. Andrew's quiet confidence meant he not only knew the right fit, you would  leave with your perfect suit and at least 2 shirts, a tie, socks and shoes.









Sadly Carter has since closed, but Andrew & Tim (who was then manager of the Lisburn Road store, previously working across London) have continued and improved on the premise of delivering classic, quality menswear with a wealth of experience and expertise to draw on.

menswear anywhere

Cashmere for Christmas? You shouldn't have!

get some Peter Capaldi Dr Who style with a Crombie coat

Shopping here is a complete boutique experience, with a one-to-one consultation on fit, fabric and styling to ensure you look your best. The store also offers a made to measure service on selected suits and shirts for those special occasions.

notice the running stitch on the shoulders; this indicates a hand-finished suit

Famous brands such as Loake, Oliver Sweeney, Strellson, Baldessarini, John Smedley & Hackett sit alongside exclusives like Eduard Dressler, Eton, Jacques Britt and Phil Petter coming for Spring 2015.

a shearling coat is a menswear classic

In addition to all this, Andrew Watson Menswear is also the home of The Alteration Boutique. Ingrida is the stitch-witch; if she can't do it, it can't be done.

Have you any favourite independent menswear stores? Let me know in the comments and I might just pay them a visit!