If you’d trust a magazine to report on the latest fashionable clothes, would you also believe they have the expertise to design their own collection? Sarah Dubbeldam, founder of the quarterly women’s magazine Darling, thinks so. The publication just launched a twenty piece ready-to-wear capsule collection and line of home goods, and Darling Society, an ambassador program that transforms these products with a lifestyle brand.
Sarah launched Darling in 2012, and it was one of the first magazines that refused to retouch their models’ skin or bodies in post production. The new clothing line continues to celebrate women of all sizes, offering universally flattering silhouettes. They describe their style as “Paris meets Copenhagen,” which means that the designs tend to be minimalist with neutral tones, looser fits and day-to-night versatility. The brand offers sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
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- The clothes are intended to work as the foundation for a wardrobe. Photo courtesy Darling
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- Noble Tank can be styled multiple ways. Photo courtesy Darling
The clothes are intended to work as the foundation for a closet; elevated basics like the square neck “Noble Tank” adds more texture to an outfit with its ribbed construction, and the simple, black “Gaze Midi Skirt” adds a touch of sass with a side slit. Prints are scarce, but the coral red “Bold Striped Tee,” with its extra wide lines, will pair well with their structured shorts or sleek, pleated work pants. For the biggest statement, go with the brightest piece in the capsule collection, the “Coffee Short Sleeve Dress,” which is equally appropriate for the office or a date night.
The clothing prices run from $60 to $250. In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, Sarah explained it is “not a fast-fashion clothing line,” and that the materials include cottons, linen, rayon blends, cotton blends and viscose blends. They continued to report that the capsule is 47 percent sustainable and ethically produced in China.
Make a statement with the Bold Striped Tee. Photo courtesy Darling
Beyond the wardrobe, the new collection includes timeless pieces of home décor. As emphasized through the offerings of candle holders, charcuterie boards and drinking glass sets, a Darling Society woman likes to entertain guests in her refined home. The geometric “Manhattan Candleholder Set” channels Bauhaus with its spherical accents, and a host can get her crew to put away their cell phones with the “Darling Dinner Cards,” a bright set of prompts that will ignite deeper conversations.
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- Bauhaus-inspired Manhattan Candleholder Set. Photo courtesy Darling
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- Keep conversation flowing with Darling Dinner Cards. Photo courtesy Darling
Darling’s new venture will be promoted through the Darling Society, their new ambassador program. These are influential women who already embody the brand’s commitment to self-empowerment, wellness and body positivity, and help their network see themselves in the same light They ambassadors come from all walks of life, but who are united in their belief of the Darling mantra, “every woman is a work of art.”
Sarah plans to expand the collection through accessories, collaborations with other brands and new pieces that riff on upcoming trends. The capsules will remain highly edited to stay sustainable, but more colors and patterns will be integrated into future drops. The clothes will be updated seasonally, and they’ll be modeled at “Darling Dinner” events, where Darling brings together their ambassadors for a night of building community.
