FROM BATTLEFIELD TO BLAZERS
At Ashford & Brae, we believe that having dependable, handsome garments is an essential pillar of everyday modern life. In a world where fast fashion, planned obsolescence, and ill fit have become more commonplace, garments constructed specifically for the wearer with deep thoughtfulness in mind have become rarer. Our goal is to bring them back to the centre of the wardrobe.
We source fabric from some of the best mills in Scotland, England, and Europe to showcase the versatility and quality of natural fibres. Each conversation with our clients centres on how they wish to wear the garment, in which contexts and climates, balancing practicality and tradition. Our Master Tailor’s expert eye and adept hands ensure quality and finishing are up to standard as they pass through our London workshop for final inspection before going on parade.
With roots in military precision from one of the most prestigious regiments in the world, balanced with professional experience and sartorial sharpness from time in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and New York, our team helps produce a garment as armour. Beautiful and detailed to garner attention, whether on the sidewalk or parade, but serious enough to demand respect in parlours and board rooms around the world.
Our Team
Sergeant Jonathan Macintyre (Scots Guards, Retired)
Founder and Partner, UK & Europe
Jonathan’s story begins in the South Side of Glasgow, proud of his humble roots. After he returned from traveling across Europe through his teens, he decided that his wanderlust had yet to be sated. He joined the British Army in 2007 and served in Afghanistan.
While on duty as a sniper with the Scots Guards in Afghanistan, on July 9th 2010 he was hit in the chest and medically evacuated. In order to continue his career within the British Armed Forces he retrained as a tailor. Soon realising his natural talent, the very foundations of Ashford & Brae started to form. Service is still a cornerstone of his mission as an in-demand tailor for major British military events such as the King’s Birthday Parade and the Cenotaph, where senior members of the Royal Family can be seen in his handiwork.
Jonathan is a champion of all things traditional, but is never scared to challenge the norm and encourages a rebellious touch from time to time. As quick with a needle as he is with a dram, he believes there’s no point in doing anything unless it’s fun - an obvious philosophy to experience when one comes in for an appointment.
He is a Master Tailor, accredited by City & Guilds and the British Army. He holds an LLB from Open University. He is the recipient of the following decorations: Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan for service during Operation Herrick 12 and Operation Herrick 17; the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, and Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
Partner, North America
Kyle Chea
Kyle’s forays into suiting were long limited to boardrooms, weddings, and rowing regattas - usually to mend a centre seam busted while dancing - until he met Jon.
He brings a deep knowledge of rowing traditions, unconventional ideas, and broad access to global relationships. He is the founder of the Nassau Rowing Club, the first rowing club in The Bahamas and the largest in the Caribbean, and the President of Rowing Bahamas, the national governing body for rowing.
He is a proud Bahamian (born, bred, ga dead) and leads the North American business encompassing Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean from New York City. He can often be found sipping rum or whisky, defending the merits of a Columbia stitch.
He is a graduate of Vassar College (AB, History and Chinese) and Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business (MBA).
