Initially imbued in the skate culture of NYC, Grand Collection is now finding its footing firmly in the world of high fashion — starting with a showroom at Paris Fashion Week. In addition to making its formal PFW debut with a fully fledged showroom, founder Ben Oleynik had a busy week meeting up with everyone from Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams to VMAN cover star A$AP NAST, plus a roster of global skaters eager to support Grand wherever it appears. VMAN got a behind the scenes look through Oleynik’s camera lens, giving a peek into a burgeoning brand’s experience during the most important week in men’s fashion.

“This was the first time we had a showroom for Grand in Paris with the full collection sampled and on display. It’s so much better to show the collection in person, instead of over email, so people can really feel the quality, fabric, fit. Everyday followed a similar schedule: start around 9am and host appointments and meetings with friends, buyers, press, until about 7pm.“

“After the last appointment each day, I’d head over to an early event that one of my friends was throwing. Always got to stop by my favorite shop in Paris: Arrow and Beast.“

“Diego, Jascha, Marcos, Thomas and Jarrad at one of their many adidas events for the week. Diego got attacked by a group of bouncers on his first night in Paris. Thank God he’s ok. He had to sit front row at Willy Chavarria’s show and the Y-3 show and go to events all week with two black eyes. People seemed to like the look though. Be careful out there.”

“I love seeing my younger homies get to travel and thrive and see the world. There’s nothing like your first time in Paris, especially if it’s on a skate trip during Fashion Week. Danny, Josh, Malik and Barco.”

“Whether it’s an event for LV, BBC, Joopiter or whatever else he’s doing, since his appointment two years ago, Paris Fashion Week feels like Pharrell’s week. P, Ross, Ty and Nast.”

“After the events, it’s always a late dinner with friends, lots of Perrier, espresso, and a tour of the dessert menu.”