Self-made Fashion Tycoon to Debut at New York Fashion Week

Self-made fashion tycoon Jashaan Gill is the creator of Jheez, a brand that consists of urban wear for men and women.

The 24-year-old from Birmingham realised he loved fashion from the age of 15.

“I was a typical teenager into football, then I saw fashion designer Jeremy Scott’s collaboration with Adidas to create trainers.

“I bought a pair of the trainers designed with wings stuck to them, when I wore them friends would stop me to take a look.

“I then thought why can’t I create clothes that look this unique? This sparked my creative flow.”

This prompted him to study textiles at school but no one took him seriously.

His teachers did not believe he was dedicated to the subject and was dismissed as the “footie student”.

Jashaan explained: “They thought I wanted to take the class because there were so many girls in it.”

But his application was accepted and later obtained an internship at a local garment production factory to learn the business.

Producing uniforms and workwear, Jashaan eventually asked if he could print his own clothing designs there.

At 17, Jashaan transformed his bedroom into a stockroom for his clothing line, called Jheez.

The brand consists of tracksuits, gym wear, T-shirts, joggers, caps, underwear and even facemasks. Each item is embossed with the Jheez logo topped with a crown.

He told Birmingham Mail: “Urban streetwear is my style and I’d advocate wearing tracksuits everywhere.

“I like wearing things that are comfortable and baggy, it didn’t go into my mind to go into any other form of fashion.

“My designs are outspoken and I also showcase my Asian heritage in the designs with bright colours.

“This is inspired by our big Asian weddings where people like to look their best.”

His work was first recognised while studying business law at Nottingham Trent University, winning the award for ‘Most Commercially Viable Business 2018’.

Jashaan was also named ‘Fashion Designer Of The Year 2020’ and has even had his streetwear featured in GQ magazine in 2020 and 2021.

But despite his fast rise to success, Jashaan recalls a business meeting with a high profile organisation and instantly feeling uncomfortable.

The fashion tycoon said: “When I presented my business plan they laughed at me because I had no orders.

“This was silly as I had just launched my brand so of course I had no orders yet.

“They didn’t take me seriously so my mentor and I left.”

“Even now at 24-years-old when I sit at business meetings I don’t get taken seriously and am seen as just a kid. But I have seven years of experience now.

“I ignore it though as I recognise unconscious bias.

“This is why I believe the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and the cricket scandal has helped start a conversation on unconscious bias.

“I believe this will make things better for the next generation.”

Jheez is now set to launch in the United States, making its debut at New York Fashion Week in February 2022.

The collection will be called ‘Dreams to Reality’, representing Jashaan’s journey from starting his business in his bedroom to headlining a renowned fashion show.

The fashion tycoon added: “My family have been very supportive and forward-thinking with my dreams, I am blessed to have the parents that I have.

“I am living proof you can make your own path. Keep believing in yourself and one day you’ll shine.”