MG Interview
1) Why did the two of you want to start your own brand?
Dave: We wanted to start our own brand, the Market Garden, to create something new and original in using the *MG Code to build it "from the roots up."
Alan: Ah yes, “from the roots up”. Because anything that is at all worth something of true quality with true people behind the brand, it all goes back to their roots. What they believe in that is worth believing in and creating awareness about these beliefs. Right? Since this is just the first question, I’ll try and keep it short. The reason why I was willing to start a brand with Dave was because we both feel the same about what a “brand” should be. Most company’s these days that are established are so predictable with what they offer, you usually don’t get what you pay for, and a million other people all have the same shit. It’s too uniform.
Basically, what we wanted to do is be outside of the standard approach. Anti- formula.
2) How would you describe your style within your brand?
Dave: The Market Garden's style basically is what it is. Since we are heavily art based, the items MG offers reflects the style and design of the people creating it. Customers will perceive the company in their own way respectfully. We are influenced from everything, any past/present political issues, people, music, art, skateboarding and life.
Alan: When you mention “style”, I think more of our approach within the brand that has developed and evolved into various styles by working with different artists, and always trying new things such as the sunglasses, wallets, button packs, one-off items, artist prints etc. It also goes beyond the brand itself and what we offer for goods, by promoting local artists, art shows of all mediums, music and shows with local bands and just trying to get our hands in helping within the community we’ve been a part of for so long.
Dave Larkin is ready for the OHL3) Can a small brand go big and still keeps its integrity?
Dave: Keeping your integrity is number one in the *MG Code, I believe it is possible and The Market Garden will be seen as that example.
Alan: You bet your ass it can. It’s quite simple too. Just don’t sell out. Keep it in the independently owned shops, continue promoting anything that has good people behind it, and continue to offer the same quality goods. These points are all easy enough to stand by. We’re doing it as a small local company. I think it would just get easier to do the more the brand continues to expand.
4) What does the future hold for Market Garden?
Dave: The future holds a 3rd collection release, set to debut this coming December featuring a MG x TLG collaboration also featuring guest artists Riki-Kay Middleton and Jason Derry. There will be a release party to be announced, stay tuned to HYPERLINK "http://themarketgardencollection.blogspot.com/"http://themarketgardencollection.blogspot.com/.
5) Is there a five-year plan that is being set in motion or is the brand more organically growing?
Dave: I'd say at this point MG is more organically growing; all of the items we offer are limited editions therefore it keeps us tight.
Alan: Ahhh, see that? “Organic”…“roots”. I think we’re onto something don’t you?? Ya, I guess I would say organically growing. We do as much as we can, and it has grown significantly since we released last July. I think we’ll just stay the course and see what happens. Just keep pushing.
6) Any up and coming events? Or projects, maybe something in the works?
Dave: The most recent event I mentioned in the previous question, which is our 3rd Collection. We are in talks with a few people and companies for some upcoming projects but nothing has been finalized yet.
Alan: I’m always thinking of other projects. I can’t shut it off. There are plenty of events to come. It takes a bit of planning, and money. I have a lack of one more than the other. Can you guess which one?
7) What is the best piece of advice that someone has told you?
Dave: Live and learn.
Alan: Don’t stare at the sun. Front to back. Smoking can kill you. Be good to people. Be honest, not an asshole. …the list is long. Not that I abide by all of them. But I certainly do my best.
8) Where can people buy your gear?
Dave: MG has been sold out of Blue Tile Lounge, Adrift Skateshop, The Circle, Noise, Decibel and Sleeping Giant Gallery. Everything left for sale as of now, can be found on online store HYPERLINK "http://www.themarketgarden.ca/v2/web/"http://www.themarketgarden.ca/v2/web/
Blue Tile Lounge will be the first store to receive MG’s new gear from the 3rd Collection after its released this December.
Alan Wood and his kids9) Will there be a Market Garden fruit stand in the future?
Dave: Right by da beach boyeeeee....ha-ha. We do pop up shops at events with individuals that we support and support us. Such events as: TLG Ridin' 4 Riches, Manifesto, Baitshop, Five & Dime and Sleeping Giant to name a few.
Alan: A fruit stand? I’m not a fruit guy. If it were my choice it would be veggies for sure. Maybe stir fried veggies. With steaks, pizzas and wine. Fuck it, I’m opening up a Steak Pizza Wine shop.
10) How do you want to end this interview? Shout outs/fuck you's or just straight up shameless plugging?
Dave: Shout out's for sure, the list is long. The Baitshop Gallery, Blue Tile Lounge Skateboardshop, Skate4Cancer, Adrift Skateshop, Five & Dime, Sleeping Giant Gallery, Noise, Decibel and The Circle. Our skaters Mikey Leblanc, Jesse Dekkema and Griffin Kirby. Friends at Skateboard Canada, Skatersinc.com, Manifesto, Push.ca and Control MFG. All the artists that have contributed in our shows and collections: Wes Loates, Paul Otvos, SMOLIK, Christie Shinn, Adrian Hayles, Momar, Elise Windsor, Erin Hogue, Jimmy Decaire, Jason Derry, Angela Smith, Sean Cain and Riki Kay Middleton. Also thanks to all of our customers for their continued support and anyone I may have forgot that has helped us along the way. Last but not least we must Thank The Lovely Gentlemen for this lovely interview.
Alan: I’ll start with shout out’s: Shout out to Kanye West, Nickel Back, Jeff Foxworthy…Oh shit. I guess I’m doing the “fuck you’s” first. Okay….Rene Zellwegger, 102.1 The Edge, Dane Cook…ah forget it. My fingers are going to get too sore to type it all out. I’ll put my energy toward the people to be most inspiring to me:
Blue Tile Lounge and Baitshop to start are 2 of the best things that have happened with local, independently owned shops. The Lovely Gentlemen of course of course. Sleeping Giant Gallery. HRS with Wes Loates and Paul Otvos. All my friends that skate. All my friends that don’t skate. Rob Dyer with Skate 4 Cancer.(That’s commitment people.) There’s everyone that Dave mentioned as well as all the others and everything else and so on. Goes to show that there’s a lot of greatness and positivity out there, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
MARKET GARDEN
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