WHO ?

Hi, I'm Leigh Montague—mother to two boys and a whippet, clothing designer, maker, and founder of Monty & Co. I live in Stroud, Gloucestershire with my Husband and chief garment tester Emmerson. We are blessed to be surrounded by the rolling countryside of the South Cotswolds which inspires my creativity and love of nature.

Monty & Co. is a solo venture, run from my studio next to my home. With every stitch, I’m committed to making a positive impact in the fashion and textiles industry—crafting timeless, high-quality clothing with care and purpose.

I knew from the age of 11 that I wanted to be a fashion designer. Growing up in Swindon, Wiltshire, I left to pursue my dream—studying at Winchester School of Art and Brighton University. This journey led me to internships at DVF in New York and Marks & Spencer in London, where I went on to spend a decade travelling the world as a menswear designer.

Clothing and textiles have always fascinated me—their past, present, and the stories they tell within society. Growing up surrounded by uniform, with both my father and grandfathers serving in the RAF, deeply shaped my aesthetic. It instilled in me a love for history, utility, and British heritage—elements that continue to influence my work today.

WHAT? 

Timeless, high-quality, made-to-order clothing. 

 

My designs are inspired by classic workwear—seminal pieces that transcend trends and, with repeated wear, become everyday essentials. Combining comfort, practicality, and durability with a timeless, unisex aesthetic, each garment is a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Every piece is made from 100% natural, hardwearing fibres, cotton, Linen, wool . Ensuring it softens and improves with age, washing, and wear. I dedicate time and care to perfecting the fit and construction, prioritising versatility, functionality, and longevity.

My mission is to create clothing that lasts—pieces that become wardrobe favourites and are cherished for years. Designed to be worn, loved, and passed down, these garments are made to stand the test of time, keeping them out of landfills and in the hands of future generations.

WHY?

Monty & Co. was born from a desire to find simple, stylish and functional unisex clothing for my young son.

Concerned by the relentless cycle of consumption in the fashion industry—along with its declining quality, transparency, and respect for craftsmanship—I chose to leave the commercial world after his birth to create a brand solving these concerns.

Driven by a passion to challenge these issues, I went back to basics, focusing on creating clothing with real value. My goal was to develop a quieter, slower, and understated yet distinctively British brand, which I launched in 2016.

In 2024, I shifted my focus from childrenswear to adult clothing, carrying forward the same commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.

WHERE?

Monty & Co. is 100% handcrafted at my Cotswold studio, Nestled in the Gloucestershire Valleys. 

Slowly and sustainably each garment is made to order by small batch production. Craftmanship is key from the initial designs, to drafting the patterns, cutting and sewing the garments everything is created by traditional hand methods.

I carefully source fabrics, materials, and trims as locally as possible, prioritising quality and sustainability. Supporting small, independent, family-run businesses and British heritage brands is a core value, all while fostering a responsible low-carbon impact.

 

PHILOSOPHY

"Head" for creativity and imagination

"Hand" for skill and craft

"Heart" for honesty and love 

The motto of Charles Voyesy the talented British designer of the Art's and Craft movement, has always inspired and motivated my moral and creative compass. It informs the foundations of how I think, act, create and serve at every touchpoint at Monty & Co.