Introducing designer Danielle Larkin from DplusK who has recently launched into the activewear market with her sustainable business and eco-frindly fashion options.
Congratulations on the success of your new label DplusK! What was the light bulb moment where you had to take the plunge and start your new business?
DL: Thank you! I had a realisation whilst I was working in property management that I wasn’t really happy with where I was, and what I was doing, so I knew it was time to change.
I’ve always been creatively minded, and I combined this with my love of yoga and exercise, together with the idea that everyone should feel comfortable, supportive and confident while working out. This just seemed like the perfect combination of things that I am passionate about, so I decided to build a brand.
Can you tell us about the range and why it’s different to other activewear brands?
DL: Our main point of difference is that we are Brisbane made, we keep our clothing kilometres low to ensure we are leaving a small footprint behind, while we’re busy makin’ waves! We go the extra mile to ensure we are operating in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner from design, to delivery.
Our products are size inclusive, and purpose designed not only to be high performance, but to also provide a comfortable and supportive fit. Our Spring 2018 Collection features strong statement colours flatter the natural shape of the body, and we add clever design features such as customisable fits, plenty of pockets and adjustable straps that ensure the garments not only fit well, but are highly functional.
Not only are our products different, but so is our ethos. We embrace and celebrate the fact that each person’s active life is so different. We don’t believe in pushing a particular fitness agenda or ideal. We invite you to feel your best and feel confident in your own self in our activewear - this is what I design it for.
What’s next for you?
DL: d+k has so much growth ahead of us, it really is so exciting. This is my focus, and to just keep hustling! I want to consistently challenge myself to push the boundaries of activewear and design, whilst staying true to my myself and my brand.
A Day In The Life Of Danielle Larkin from DplusK
5.45am: I usually wake up early and cuddle my dog Otis before taking him for a walk.
6.15am: Pick up a coffee on the way to the dog park - this is essential!
6:45am: Rush home (because I got carried away playing with Otis) to shower and get ready, grabbing a few mouthfuls of food from the fridge for brekkie.
7.30am: Head straight in to work if I don’t have business errands to run on the way.
8am: I begin the day by checking in on the production team, to ensure manufacturing is underway in the correct order. I touch base with all factory departments, before sitting down to check my emails.
10am: The day is well and truly underway, so I head into the other side of HQ to check in with the Logistics, Marketing & Creative departments.
10.30am: Yep… it’s time for coffee number two, and our HQ snack favourite: carrots and peanut butter.
11am: I’m still nursing my giant mug of black coffee while I check more emails, as well as tracking sales and analytics to see what’s performing well, and what needs some more work.
12pm: Team lunch break in the centre of our open plan office space.
1pm: I usually spend an hour doing some work in the sampling department, overlooking pattern making, testing the sample garments and making sure they are perfect!
2pm: More emails, more hustling!
6pm: It’s time to head home! My evening always varies, either I work out in the HQ gym or go to a pilates class. I might go out for dinner with friends, or have a quiet night in watching Netflix.
7pm: If my fiancé is away on a work trip and it’s just Otis and I at home, I usually end up working on spreadsheets (boring, I know!).
9.30pm: I always read a book for at least half an hour before getting some sleep.
10pm: Zzzzzz
To shop the DplusK collection visit www.dplusk.com.au.
