Name: Brandon Yarchuk
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Fashion Design
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Individuality is a key component to making it in the fashion industry. Kent State sophomore and fashion sesign student, Brandon Yarchuk, knows how to represent himself and his sense of style so he is remembered. This week, Her Campus caught up with Brandon to learn more about his passion for fashion and where his love of jewelry making originated.
Her Campus: Why did you choose Kent State?
Brandon Yarchuk: It was the best school for my major (fashion design) outside of New York.
HC: I understand you make your own jewelry, when did you start doing that?
BY: I started making kandi bracelets, which are essentially beaded bracelets shared amongst the raver community (I have never been a raver, by the way) that had toys and other objects hanging off of them. This led to me making my own charms out of polymer clay for these bracelets, and my design process kept evolving to include new media and got to where it is today.
HC: What got you interested in jewelry making?
BY: My best friend at the time.
An example of a kandi bracelet Brandon made.
HC: What is your Etsy shop called?
BY: Cute and Crazy.
HC: What kinds of pieces do you sell?
BY: Unique, handmade and/or vintage jewelry pieces that I believe will make people feel confident, expressive, and original.
This is an example of a polymer clay charm Brandon created a few years ago for one of his bracelets.
HC: What are your career aspirations?
BY: In the end of it all, I would love to have various labels of my own that sell both accessories and clothing; on the way there, anything creative will satisfy me.
HC: Are you involved in any clubs/organizations on campus? If so, what?
BY: I am a part of the Hall Council in my residence hall, and I am a member of the Fashion Student Organization.
HC: How would you describe your personal style?
BY: A constant battle between garments and colors that flatter me and the bold prints and jewelry pieces that I am unable to say no to.
An example of a recent polymer clay piece Brandon had made.
HC: Where do you draw style inspiration from?
BY: Korean street-style Instagram pages I follow and things I see in stores (like toys) that I immediately challenge myself to make wearable.
HC: Why did you choose to pursue fashion design?
BY: I am incredibly passionate about creating wearable articles that both stand out and make a wearer feel confident.
HC: What have been your favorite classes at Kent?
BY: All of my fashion drawing classes, and even though I have only had two sessions so far, my jewelry metals course will definitely be a favorite of mine.
One of Brandon’s most recently made jewelry pieces.
HC: As you come close to your junior year here, what are you most looking forward to in your last couple years?
BY: I am really hoping I get accepted into the Hong Kong program, which would make my experience here beyond complete. Also, just watching my personal growth definitely excites me. I didn’t draw or sew before getting here!
Be sure to check out Brandon’s Etsy store, Facebook and Instagram @brandonyarchuk to learn more about him and his creations!