Meet Drop'in
By Samantha Bache
What inspired you to start Drop'In, and how did your own skate journey shape the brand?
I started skating two years ago, even though it was something I’d wanted to do since childhood. Growing up in a small village in the middle of Switzerland isn’t exactly the easiest place to find skate culture...
Everything changed when I found a girls’ crew in Lausanne. Stepping onto a board for the first time with them felt like stepping into a world I’d been searching for. They didn’t just teach me how to skate, they gave me a sense of belonging.
Through them, I met incredible people and slowly found the confidence to show up at skateparks alone, without that familiar weight of anxiety.
What they gave me stayed with me; I knew I wanted to create that same feeling for other girls - not only in big cities, but everywhere, even in small villages where it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one trying.
At the same time, I’d always been drawn to ride and street culture - snowboard, skateboard, the street aesthetics, the raw energy of it all. But I quickly noticed how much of the fashion around it was centered on guys. That became the second thing I wanted to offer: a space where girls could see themselves reflected in that world too - not on the sidelines, but fully part of it.
That’s how Drop’In was born, a streetwear brand created especially for women who ride.
Can you share a moment when you realized there wasn't a brand made for women who ride, and how that motivated you?
That realization hit when I started snowboarding.
There was barely any gear designed for women and what existed often leaned into pink, overly girly designs that didn’t reflect how I saw myself in ride culture. When I spoke to other riders, I realized many felt the same disconnect.
I understood the gap wasn’t just about products only, it was about representation, visibility, and feeling legitimate in these spaces.
Drop’In started as a response to that: creating streetwear where women could see themselves reflected in ride culture, without stereotypes attached.
Skateboarding can feel intimidating. What advice would you give to women nervous about stepping on a board for the first time?
The easiest way is to start with a friend, but not everyone has that option.
Do whatever feels best for you first. That might mean practicing alone in your garage, following tutorials, connecting with people online, or filming yourself to track your progress.
If you’re introverted, start on your own terms. Go to a skatepark just to watch. Then bring your board next time. Then try a little. You’ll quickly realize there are many beginners, and everyone falls - even the pros!
As you begin showing up at skateparks, take a moment to read the space: watch the lines, learn the flow, and introduce yourself.
You’ll see how quickly the community opens up: tips get shared, conversations start, and friendships grow.
How do you balance creating streetwear that is both functional for skating and stylish for everyday life?
For me, function and style aren’t separate.
I design for women first, but without stereotypical color palettes or cuts. No forced femininity.
The goal is to create fits that can be oversized while still respecting the female body, so women feel comfortable skating, but also confident wearing the pieces every day.
What challenges have you faced designing clothes specifically for women skaters, and how have you overcome them?
Design is the biggest challenge, so I don’t do it alone.
I involve the community through surveys, conversations, and wear-testing samples.
We co-create the pieces together, making sure they reflect real needs, not assumptions.
Do you have a favourite piece in the Drop'In collection, and what is the story behind it?
Right now, it’s the board from the Tiger Collection - my first board design.
The graphic was inspired by Bangkok, where I live now. It’s one of the most dynamic cities I know, and that energy reflects how I see Drop’In: always moving, always evolving.
How has connecting with skaters from all over the world influenced the vision of Drop'In?
Every place brings a different energy to ride culture.
Connecting with people across the world exposes me to new perspectives, styles, and mindsets. That exchange is what keeps the brand growing and relevant.
Beyond clothing, how do you hope Drop'In contributes to the skate community for women?
From the beginning, the vision went further than clothes.
I want Drop’In to actively support women in ride sports by sponsoring riders, building communities, and creating spaces that make it easier to start.
It’s about encouraging beginners, pushing those who already ride to progress, and making sure women feel they belong... not as an exception, but as a natural part of the culture.
How do you want women to feel when they wear Drop'In, whether they're skating or just expressing themselves?
I want women to feel like they belong from day one.
Like they can try, fall, learn and still feel legitimate.
I want woman to feel motivated to progress, to push their limits, to become the best riders they can be. And that when they wear Drop’In, they feel backed by a community that rides together and grows together.
Also, here's the link to the small quizz (it takes less than 5 minutes) to help Alessia create the next collection