The Great ‘Balance’ We’re Addressing in Issue No. 21

If we were to touch on a timely and sensitive topic, it would be this: the balance, the struggle and the beauty of the masculine and feminine energies of the world.

Darling was founded upon the idea that women are powerful within our own beautiful, unique right — and not because we’ve squashed men or competed with one another for that status.

So this fall we’re exploring through Darling Issue 21 how the genders can work together to create a better world. It’s not about separating our gender differences with a fine-toothed comb, but about seeking to unite around a love for our diverse beauty, design, balance and solidarity.

And yes, the journey to understanding this is like an imperfect dance — at times awkward and clashing, at others smooth and mild — but that doesn’t make the process less worthwhile. My hope is that the words here help us to reject anything that belittles the other, that abuses strength, judges wrongly or withholds or separates the genders while becoming more open to talk and embrace the infinite hope in our shared reality as 100 percent human.  

See below for a few of my favorite features appearing in our fall issue and visit our shop for an even more extensive look inside! Don’t forget to look for the special perforated pages that we chose for you to be able to tear out!

Inside The Dreamer | “They Are Keone and Mari.”

Keone and Mari Madrid spend time telling the truth about choreography, love and what they look forward to achieving in the future (hint: it’s not just worldwide notoriety from World of Dance).

Inside The Achiever | “Girls. Boys. Ladies. Men.” by Courtney Seard

This compelling essay by a communications expert asks the question we seem to be ignoring: Should it matter that professional women at the top of their field are called #Girlboss, and why?

Inside The Hostess | “Late Night Munchies” by Joy the Baker

Three mouth-watering recipes from one of our ultimate favorite chefs, authors and general cake and donut connoisseurs, blog queen Joy the Baker has us craving snacks all day and night.

Inside The Intellectual | “We Can Walk Together: The Gender Divide” by Ashley Abercrombie

One of our favorite writers speaks from personal experience and explains why the future is female…and that men are not only a vital part of that future, but we really do want them to be.

Inside The Stylist | “On My Own Body” by Cassidy Boatright

Our own Visual Media Director gets real questioning the efficacy of lingerie advertisements aimed at men and considers a new path forward in our perceptions of why we wear what we do under it all.

Inside The Confidant | “Lady Talk with Kathryn Hahn.”

Known for an incredible variety of roles in which we all have laughed or cried (or both) with her characters, Kathryn Hahn spent some time chatting with us about first loves, present passions and why she always wanted to live in Little House on the Prairie.

Inside The Beautician | “Who Told You That?” by Kahu de Beer

A piece reflecting on the moments we were first criticized for our appearance and giving steps to change history.

Inside The Explorer | “Denmark; So Hygge” by Melanie Loon

A travel contemplation through the seaside and food articulation of peaceful, strong Denmark.

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Cover Image by We Are The Rhoads for Darling Issue No. 21