Darling is an independent magazine that was founded by Sarah Dubbeldam in 2009 with the intent of revisiting the definition of womanhood in a creative and inviting way. One of the current photo editors describes the magazine as “a tool to change how women see themselves and help women to live with grace, kindness, style and a desire to grow." Darling has made it their mission to encourage its readers to find their own definition of femininity. This attitude is evident both in its content and its presentation, with articles that affirm the strengths women possess and showcase un-photoshopped women.
“Darling leads women to practice the arts of virtue, wit, modesty, and wisdom- all the while creating beauty and embodying love. Darling says women and not only interesting, but original, not only good enough, but exceptional — not just here, but here for a purpose.” -Darling motto
The premise of Darling is to discover “the art of being a woman." I love the idea that being a woman is an art form. I’ve always thought artists are very brave people. They have an individual voice that they communicate through their creations. They embrace their identity, their unique and quirky qualities, and share them with the world. Artists come in all forms, constantly proving through their creations that there is no cookie-cutter artist mold.
The amazing thing is that as women we have the same opportunity. Each woman is different, and each woman has unique talents and gifts that contribute to who she is. Embracing your identity as a woman enables you to be a feminist everywhere you go. The way in which you express yourself is beautiful, artistic and freeing. Don’t try to neutralize femininity, instead, reclaim it and make it a strength people seek. Let’s make womanhood an art form again.
