James Oresanya, a talented fashion designer from Manchester, is making a name for himself with his streetwear brand, JCCLUB. Inspired by youth culture, entertainment, and the luxury lifestyle, reflects James’s passion for creating high-quality fashion with a distinct local identity. A proud Mancunian with Nigerian roots, James founded the brand out of frustration over the lack of local fashion labels designed by local creatives.
In a recent interview with Elevation, James spoke about the tendency for many Africans to become consumers of luxury brands rather than creating their own. This consumption-driven mindset motivated him to launch JCCLUB, a brand that combines creativity and craftsmanship with a strong cultural identity. The result is a high-quality streetwear label that blends Manchester’s urban style with a global appeal. As JCCLUB continues to grow, it has the potential to become one of the leading streetwear brands to emerge from Manchester.
The global fashion industry has long been dominated by major brands from Europe and America, but many of these renowned labels rely on the creative talent of African or Black designers. The late Virgil Abloh, for instance, made history as the creative director at Louis Vuitton and the founder of Off-White, a brand that revolutionised streetwear. Abloh’s influence demonstrated that race or origin does not have to limit success if the product is innovative and of high quality. James Oresanya’s potential mirrors that of Abloh, his creative vision and attention to detail make JCCLUB a brand to watch in 2025.
The UK has increasingly embraced local brands in recent years, recognising the importance of supporting homegrown talent. However, few Black British designers have broken into the mainstream. Jay Williams, a Black British designer from Birmingham, launched Hoodrich in 2014 with the tagline “From Nothing to Something.” The brand quickly gained traction, securing partnerships with major retailers such as Foot Asylum and JD Sports. In 2023, Hoodrich secured a major investment from Iconix International, which acquired a majority stake in partnership with Williams. Today, Hoodrich is sold in over 1,000 retail outlets across 24 countries, with headquarters in Birmingham and Watford. Williams built the brand around his love for rap music, streetwear, and urban culture transforming Hoodrich into more than just a fashion label.
JCCLUB is following a similar path, steadily growing and gaining recognition within the streetwear market. As more customers discover the brand, it is well-positioned for significant growth. The success of JCCLUB highlights Manchester’s growing influence in the fashion world and reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity. James Oresanya’s ability to merge creativity, quality, and authenticity makes JCCLUB a brand with the potential to become a source of local pride and a major player in the global streetwear market.
