Essentials: Brandon Schoolhouse

With a narrow-minded conditioning, our global society continues to pressure its youth into following a strict career path based on scored assessments in hopes of productively contributing to the collective. So it certainly helps that our young, enterprising creatives remain open to rare opportunities and/or unique trades. Intrigued by the various musical subcultures in Hollywood, Los Angeles native Brandon Schoolhouse began his early professional career in 1995 at Grand Royal – the California-based, Beastie Boy’s record label. During his several year tenure, Schoolhouse learned the art of DJing, spawning his alter-ego, Han Cholo. After parting with said label, the aspiring creative continued to make a name for himself DJing at LA’s most exclusive nightclubs, in addition to working as a wardrobe stylist on music videos, magazine editorials, print ads and album packaging. Because of his expanding styling venture, he returned to his childhood hobby of metal working and jewelry design, creating custom jewelry for his clients, friends and of course, Han Cholo. Subsequently, his celebrity friends convinced the musical fashionisto to partner with friend and longtime Parisian jeweler, Guillaume Pajolec, to create a custom jewelry line. In 2002, during a time when streetwear began entering mainstream appeal, the Han Cholo Jewelry line was birthed and the timing couldn’t have been better. In dire need of originality and quality craftsmanship, Schoolhouse appealed to all cliques designing limited pieces inspired by rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities, science fiction films, fantasy art and various Los Angeles subcultures. Both edgy and whimsical, his jewelry quickly became popular among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities, ranging from Snoop Dogg to Gwen Stefani. Still delivering some of the most imaginable, ready-to-wear jewelry today, Schoolhouse recently sat down with HYPEBEAST to offer a look at some of his life’s Essentials. From the tools of his trade to a relaxing Bud Light and bowl hit, this innovator will continue to create and inspire for years to come. However, we can only wonder, will his career evolve once again?

Photography: Brandon Shigeta/HYPEBEAST