Darling Magazine

by Ally McLaren   On Wednesday 16th April, 2025, five judges at the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a  woman is defined by biological sex under the UK Equality Act 2010. This ruling aimed to provide  clarity on sex-based protections, yet has instead caused confusion and fear for transgender  women. The ruling came about due to the campaign group For Women Scotland, who brought a case  against the Scottish government stating that sex-based protections should apply only to people  that are born female. The Supreme Court was asked to clarify what the definition of a woman is  in terms of the Equality Act, which led to the ruling that women and sex refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Trans activists, campaigners and individuals have warned that this definition could remove  protections against trans people, furthering discrimination and excluding trans women from  female-only spaces and services, including hospital wards, pris...

by Tia Janowski In a world dominated by seriousness and fleeting trends, why not add some fun and boldness to your wardrobe?  Lucrezia Ive does just that with her innovative shoe brand,  Lucrethea , bringing a breath of fresh air into the fashion industry.  Talking to Darling Magazine, she shares her journey, inspirations, and why embracing freedom and self-expression is essential in fashion. When Lucrezia arrived at my London flat for our photoshoot, she was as glamorous as ever, carrying numerous bags filled with her creations and a head full of ideas. Seeing her latest collection, The Walk of No shame, in person was an experience like no other.  Featuring dramatic chunky pink mules adorned with phallic and vulva shapes, these designs make bold statements while being incredibly fashionable and beautiful. Creativity and design has always been a part of Lucrezia’s life.  As a child, she would sketch clothes and ask her grandmothers to bring her ideas to lif...

by Lois Geal The first time we saw The Notebook, we were left in a teary mess, captivated by the epic love story between two steamy stars.  But in the eleven years since the film first captured our hearts, we've had time to watch it over (and over) again. And what really sticks with us - besides the emotional rollercoaster, of course - are Allie's gorgeous vintage-inspired outfits.  Both Noah and Allie’s style is exceptional, but the starring role, however, goes to leading lady Allie Hamilton’s 1940s fashion - the wardrobe department, led by Karyn Wagner, truly   excelled themselves.   From the iconic blue dress to her adorable swimsuits, the '40s-era looks somehow still have modern appeal. And with the news that the film was to be adapted for TV but unfortunately never proceeded, we had hoped for even more retro fashion inspiration to look forward to.   This era is defined by playsuits, high-waisted shorts, polka dots, and other fashionable items. It was a...

by Elena Reforsado Haute couture, a term coined by the French designer and "King of Fashion," Paul Poiret, refers to the luxurious clothing lines produced by the leading houses in the fashion industry.   These high-end brands ignited a new meaning in the culture and created a desire to own them for those who wished to carry the embodiment of art de vivre and poise.  With Poiret’s ground-breaking designs, including the transition from tight-fitting corsets to lampshade tunics, it is easy to say that he influenced the evolution of haute couture and the level it has reached today. But with sustainability and eco-consciousness on the rise, can couture still be couture?   Christian Dior, Guccio Gucci, Coco Chanel, and Miuccia Prada are just a few of the iconic pioneers who have ingrained their names in the high-end fashion industry.  With their clientele holding them to the highest standards, these designers utilised only the “best” quality fabrics. Unfortunatel...