How would you describe your brand, Grand Collection?
It’s people that I love and admire. From everyone that skates for the brand or shoots the product shots or helps with the graphics and videos. It’s family. Like I’ve been close with the people that run the warehouse for 15 years. My wife Marianne is the most talented person, she helps me with everything (for the brand). Every time we release a collection, there are shop owners and distributors, and people all over the world that show up and support. It’s community. I’m so grateful for everyone involved.
What made you decide to start the brand?
I wanted to start something where all my favorite people could be involved in one thing. Where we can stand up for the things we’re passionate about and do the things we love to do. It’s our way to get our ideas out to the world. And it’s a way for me to celebrate all these amazing people in my life.
How would you describe the clothes?
Minimal. Pure. I just try to take away anything that isn’t needed and focus on fit, the fabric, the feel, the construction. Quality. There’s so much waste in the fashion industry. I want to make things that last in terms of quality and aesthetics. I want you to be able to wear these pieces forever.
Where does the inspiration come from when you’re designing? What’s your design process?
The inspiration just comes from real life and really, all the people involved with Grand. I’m trying to make things that we all want to wear every day. Like I think about a day in Brian (Reid)’s life. What does he want to be wearing when he gets up, then what does he want to wear on the flight to Barcelona, what’s he skating in when he gets there, what’s he wearing that night when he’s trying to go for a nice dinner, you know. I’m thinking about all these things when I’m designing.