Conner Ives, the young British designer known for his opulent creations and red carpet moments, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected cultural moment – and it’s all thanks to a DIY slogan T-shirt.
The story goes that the night before his London Fashion Week show last season, Ives realised he had nothing to wear. Instead of opting for the usual designer attire, he decided to create his own outfit from scratch. With a piece of deadstock fabric, a heat press, and the phrase “Protect The Dolls,” Ives made a simple yet powerful statement in a matter of minutes.
The phrase “Protect The Dolls” has quickly become a symbol of solidarity with the trans community, particularly in the wake of growing anti-trans legislation in the U.S. The slogan, which Ives heat-transferred onto his T-shirt, was born out of a desire to speak out in support of trans rights and to make a statement about the importance of protecting trans individuals. The phrase itself, “dolls,” is a playful nod to how trans people – especially trans women – are often objectified or commodified, yet Ives uses it in a way that subverts that meaning, calling for their protection instead of exploitation.
When Ives wore the T-shirt at the end of his London Fashion Week show, it wasn’t the runway looks that caught everyone’s attention – it was his DIY shirt that went viral. Since then, the T-shirt has become a pop culture phenomenon, with stars like Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan spotted wearing it at events like movie premier’s and Coachella. The demand for the shirt has been overwhelming, and most of the proceeds from its sales go directly to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit crisis hotline that provides support for the trans community.
What’s particularly striking about this moment is that Ives, who is known for designing extravagant gowns worn by the likes of Natalie O’Brien at the 2021 Met Gala and Amber Valletta at the 2022 CFDA Awards, has found his biggest moment of recognition yet with a simple T-shirt. But for those familiar with his work, the shirt isn’t as surprising as it may seem. Ives has a long history of working with trans models and supporting the trans community in his designs. He has collaborated with top trans talents like Model of the Year 2024, Alex Consani, and even consulted with trans model and close friend Hunter Pifer on the creation of the T-shirt.
Since its launch, the “Protect The Dolls” T-shirt has raised over £300,000, proving that fashion can be both a vehicle for self-expression and a powerful tool for advocacy. In a world where fashion often feels disconnected from the issues that matter, Ives’ T-shirt reminds us that a simple piece of clothing can have a profound impact. It’s a testament to the power of fashion to make a statement, mobilse support, and raise awareness for important causes.
The Protect The Dolls T-Shirt is available for Pre-order HERE