Author Archives: DANIEL ZHAVORONKIN

Hiiiiiiiiiii my name is Daniel Zhavoronkin and I am a sophomore pursuing a degree in marketing management. For the formative years of my life (birth 2 first grade) I lived in a very sparsely populated town in russia known as Apsheronsk, located in the Krasnodarsky Krai right next to the black sea. Most of this time was spent on my grandparents’ farm and on the rocky beaches of the sea. When I moved to New York, I was taken aback by the myriad of cultures and the financial + artistic epicenter that is Manhattan. My town had no tourism or foreigners, so this stark contrast has served as great inspiration for me (and still does). I want to be a fashion designer, as I think couture and everyday clothing are the most understated markers of culture and history since what we wear reflects our lifestyles and the world around us. I also like cooking. My parents were very strict about keeping our roots and only eating russian food, and I got v tired of that so I taught myself how to cook over the years. Recently I’ve been venturing into Indian cuisine because their careful attention to flavors and details fascinates me. If anyone here likes tomato bisque, try making a tamatar shorba! It’s a dish that doesn’t ask for too much maintenance and i find that using cherry tomatoes alongside paprika and fenugreek creates a nice flavor contrast between tangy and smoky.

My high school experience was erratic. I worked at a sneaker store which I’d walk to almost every day after school, and after work I’d work on my school projects into the late hours of the night. Amidst all of this, I also somehow managed to cram varsity tennis, the IB diploma, and three summer internships into my schedule. I’m currently trying to take things more slowly and take the time to explore myself and the many experiences that the city has to offer.

I always enjoy conversations about art and fashion, and I’d love to talk to any fellow enthusiasts! Currently, my favorite couture show so far is Viktor and Rolf’s spring summer 2016 show “performance of sculptures”. Even if you’re not avid for fashion, it’s worth a watch!