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Fashion Talk

Harsh Maskara

CEO and Co-founder
Drip Project & Metaman

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience luxury

The Drip Project is an India-based jewellery brand that draws inspiration from multiple cultures. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Harsh Maskara, CEO and Co-founder of the Drip Project and Metaman, talks about what the brand does to make luxury jewellery more accessible to a wider audience and gives jewellery styling suggestions for fashion enthusiasts.

Fibre2Fashion: Can you tell us about your inspiration behind creating Drip Project and how did it all start?

Harsh Maskara:

The inspiration behind creating Drip Project was triggered by recognising a significant gap in the Indian luxury streetwear jewellery market. I noticed that there was a shortage of affordable options for those interested in hip hop and streetwear culture. The existing jewellery brands were often quite expensive, making it challenging for a more extensive audience to access quality, stylish pieces.


In response to this gap, Drip Project was born. Our vision was to curate meticulously designed statement pieces that met the high standards of craftsmanship while remaining affordable. By offering luxury streetwear jewellery at a more accessible price point, Drip Project aimed to make it possible for a broader range of individuals to express their personal style through jewellery.

Remarkably, in just six months, Drip Project rose to become the leading hip hop jewellery brand in India. This rapid ascent was attributed to our dedication to creating distinctive designs, maintaining impeccable craftsmanship, and an in-depth understanding of the preferences and aspirations of our target audience. In doing so, we successfully filled a void in the market, making luxury jewellery accessible to a new generation of consumers in India.

 

F2F: Could you elaborate on the concept of ‘inner shine’ and how your brand aims to help customers express it through high-quality handcrafted jewellery?

HM:

‘Inner shine’ refers to the inner confidence and uniqueness that each person possesses. Our brand Drip Project aims to enhance and celebrate this inner shine by offering meticulously handcrafted jewellery that reflects the wearer’s personality in a luxurious manner. We believe that by adorning oneself with high-quality, unique pieces, customers can express their individuality and boost their self-confidence.

F2F: What sets the Drip Project apart from other jewellery brands in the market, especially in terms of affordability and quality?

HM:

The Drip Project stands out by offering a combination of affordability and exceptional quality. We take pride in sourcing the finest materials and employing skilled artisans for crafting our jewellery. By optimising our production process, we can provide high-quality pieces without the extravagant price tag, making luxury accessible to a broader audience.

F2F: How do you select the cultural elements or inspirations for your jewellery designs, and how do they resonate with your customers?

HM:

Our design process is inspired by diverse cultures and street aesthetics. We pay attention to emerging trends and incorporate them into our collections while ensuring the designs resonate with our customer base. This approach allows us to offer unique pieces that reflect various cultural influences, resonating with a wide range of customers.

F2F: Can you describe the process of handcrafting the jewellery at the Drip Project? What makes it high quality?

HM:

The jewellery at the Drip Project is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Our artisans carefully select materials and use traditional crafting techniques to create each piece. This hands-on approach ensures the quality, uniqueness, and durability of our jewellery, making it a cut above mass-produced alternatives.

F2F: What steps does the Drip Project take to make luxury accessible to a broader audience without compromising on quality?

HM:

To make luxury accessible, we focus on optimising our production process and eliminating unnecessary overheads. This cost-efficiency allows us to offer high-quality jewellery at a more affordable price point. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience luxury without compromising on quality.

F2F: Could you share any success stories or memorable moments that reflect the brand’s mission and values?

HM:

We are honoured to have celebrities don our Drip Project jewellery, endorsing our brand’s quality and style. However, what truly drives us is the joy our customers express upon receiving their orders, often leading them to become repeat patrons. These moments reflect our mission to help individuals express their inner shine through our high-quality, handcrafted jewellery.

F2F: Collaborations with celebrities often lead to unique and limited-edition collections. How do these collaborations align with Drip Project’s core values and the mission of making luxury affordable for a broader audience?

HM:

Collaborations with celebrities play a pivotal role in aligning with Drip Project’s core values and mission of democratising luxury. Traditionally, luxury is synonymous with high costs and exclusivity, often reserved for a select few. By partnering with celebrities and creating unique, limited-edition collections, we challenge this notion.

These collaborations demonstrate that luxury can be accessible and relatable to a broader audience. They emphasise that the Drip Project isn’t just about catering to the elite; it’s about making high-quality, handcrafted jewellery accessible to everyone. Our goal is to bridge the gap between celebrities and the common audience, showcasing that both can style Drip Project with confidence and panache, transcending the traditional boundaries of luxury.

F2F: What essential pieces of jewellery would you recommend for both male and female fashion enthusiasts to include in their collection?

HM:

  • A classic round cut tennis chain adds timeless elegance to any outfit. It’s a versatile piece that can be styled in various ways, whether worn alone or layered for a trendy look.
  • Rope Chain with Our Signature Pendants add a unique touch to your style. This combination allows for personalisation, and the rope chain’s durability ensures you can wear it daily.
  • The sparkle of a baguette tennis chain is perfect for making a statement. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a night out, this piece adds a touch of luxury to your look.
  • Statement earrings, whether hoops, studs, or dangles, are a must for both men and women. They can elevate your style and bring attention to your face.
  • The beauty of these pieces is that they can all be styled in a myriad of ways, allowing you to express your individuality and inner shine in a manner that feels ‘too good’. Each item can be mixed and matched to create a look that’s uniquely yours, making them essential additions to any fashion enthusiast’s collection.

F2F: What plans does the Drip Project have for the future in terms of expanding its product range or reaching new markets?

HM:

In the future, our vision for the Drip Project is even more ambitious. We’re planning to launch an impressive range of 80-100 new designs every month, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh, innovative pieces. Our ultimate aim is to make every individual own and cherish at least one item from our collection. Moreover, we’re actively exploring international markets to share the Drip Project experience with a global audience, extending our reach and influence in the world of high-quality, accessible luxury jewellery.

F2F: In what ways do you aim to continue inspiring individuals to express their inner shine through your jewellery in the years to come?

HM:

We aim to continue inspiring individuals by staying at the forefront of streetwear and jewellery trends. By constantly innovating and staying in tune with our customers’ preferences, we will provide them with the means to express their inner shine and individuality through our jewellery, ensuring our brand remains a source of inspiration in the years to come.

In what ways do you aim to continue inspiring individuals to express their inner shine through your jewellery in the years to come?

Interviewer: Kiran Sahija
Published on: 27/10/2023
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