This article was written by Stephanie Taylor for Darling Media
At Darling, creating a community of kindness has always been the goal. Introducing the “Kind Culture” t-shirt! Darling CEO and founder, Sarah Dubbeldam, partnered up with friend and Poplinen Founder, Desiree Buchanan, to design a t-shirt to reflect a culture of individuals who lead with kindness in everything they do despite their differences.
Sarah came up with the phrase “Kind Culture” in response to the hate, anger, frustration and unkind words on social media. Priced at $49, the tee is a reminder to lead with compassion and disrupt darkness with light and heal division with peace. The silky-smooth, breathable and lightweight tee is 55% cotton and 45% Tencel.
"The tee is a reminder to lead with compassion and disrupt darkness with light and heal division with peace."
“My hope is for us to become a kinder culture,” Sarah said. “If every individual decided to lead with kindness—giving others the benefit of the doubt—we could humanize one another so much more.”
Originally inspired by a trip Sarah and Desiree took to Copenhagen, Denmark in the summer of 2019, the “Kind Culture” t-shirt design—a classic silhouette with slightly cuffed sleeves, open crew neck and side stitching that compliments the body of the shirt—is a nod to Copenhagen women. Desiree took note of how their style was practical and easy, but also feminine and detailed.
"The kind culture t-shirt design is a nod to the style of Copenhagen women—practical and easy, but also feminine and detailed."
“I’ve always wanted to create a t-shirt (a crucial staple in your closet) and during that trip, and I took note of how they used small details to add flair or extra style to their look,” Desiree explained. “I love these small additions because they’re small, but very flattering and elevate the tee instantly.”
Darling and Poplinen partnering together is a dream come true for both Sarah and Desiree! Poplinen is a sustainable women’s clothing brand based in Los Angeles that focuses on premium, earth-friendly essentials that will last and creates everyday, “go to” pieces for women of all shapes and sizes. Poplinen clothing is offered in sizes XS-3X.
“I was thrilled when Sarah asked if I wanted to work together on Darling’s first clothing piece and also that she wanted to use earth-friendly materials,” Desiree said. “I always strive to work with people and other brands where our values align over doing good and bring positive impact, so this was an absolute win-win.”
You will not only look good wearing your “Kind Culture” t-shirt, but you’ll feel good too, knowing that all Poplinen designs are made in partnership with small factories that pay their employees living wages and offer benefits. All the brand’s clothing is made with eco-friendly fabrics including TENCEL™, Organic Cotton, Modal and Organic Linen. Also, almost all the fabrics are Oeko-Tex® Certified, which means your “Kind Culture” shirt has a minimal carbon footprint.
The response from women to the t-shirt has been exciting! The “Kind Culture” t-shirt is the brainchild of two female coming together to support one another and, through their efforts, encourage women to build each other up and to love better through our differences. After all, women supporting women is foundational for growing healthy communities and lasting relationships.
"Women supporting women is foundational for growing healthy communities and lasting relationships."
“This earth-friendly tee couldn’t be more timely amidst such a polarized time in our society,” Desiree said. “The message is simple, inviting, refreshing and uplifting—all good things I believe we’re all aching and hoping for right now.”
