Darling Magazine

by Hannah Barnett As the climate crisis worsens, and fast fashion continues to be one of the biggest negative impacts, scientists have now turned to living organisms for solutions.  Kombucha, a fermented drink using tea that has recently skyrocketed in popularity due to its unique approach to positive health changes, has once again taken society by surprise. A recent discovery by scientists found that it contains a byproduct called ‘SCOBY.’ Meaning it’s a symbiotic culture of bacteria that can turn into vegan leather!  The process of creating SCOBY is five steps long; Harvesting, Purification, Moulding and Shaping, drying and eventually finishing - sometimes being treated with natural oils or dyes on occasion to make the material water resistant. It's a hardcore, dense cycle that fashion companies have to be fully committed to if they agree to carry it out.  This has turned the heads of environmentally aware fashion designers who are now trying to incorporate this regenerative form

by Benedetta Mancusi If you’ve ever felt compelled to break into feverish and uncontrollable dancing to bops like ‘It Makes You Forget (Itgehane),’ ‘Starry Night,’ or the global, chart-topping hit ‘(It Goes Like) Nanana,’ then one, you’re not alone, and two, the following news should have already found you: Peggy Gou has announced her biggest London show to date, taking place at Gunnersbury Park on Saturday 17th August 2024. Peggy Gou is bringing company too – including Brazilian tech house DJ Mochakk, LSDXOXO, Sally C, and Hiver, making this one of the most anticipated electronic live shows in the capital this summer.  Yes, that’s right. It is - almost - that time of the year again.  Time to travel via Elizabeth Line just to enjoy the air con and extra legroom. Time slip into sunscreen-stained blouses. Time to soak up every bit of sunshine bestowed upon us. And, time to go thrift shopping for crop tops, flowy dresses, and shorts. (Other options including renting and shopping from your

by Michaela Piontková  Every fashion week season, social media presents us with reports of the shows from the biggest fashion brands making it easy to seem like only prestigious fashion houses with a long legacy get to join in.   In reality, fashion weeks, especially in London, are a great opportunity for young emerging designers to introduce themselves to the industry.  Sinéad O’Dwyer If you’re a fan of the office siren trend we’ve been seeing a lot this year, you’ll love Sinéad O’Dwyer’s AW24 Collection, Supervisor.  With shirts being the main focus, they presented us with many different designs and tailoring styles. From oversized button-downs featuring piped bust constructions and internal support bands, to fitted shirts in stretch poplin featuring an internal leotard construction for guaranteed  security, each were created with every detail in mind. Another significant item were their wide-leg tailored trousers with voluminous side pleats, floor-swishing maxi-culottes, wide-leg je