What began as a bold runway moment at London Fashion Week has exploded into a full-on cultural movement. Conner Ives, the American-born, London-based fashion designer, has already raised $70,000 — and counting — through pre-sales of his now-iconic “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt. And yes, it hasn’t even shipped yet.
The real kicker? Every cent is going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organization that provides peer support, direct aid, and life-saving services for transgender people across the United States.
A Fashion Statement That Speaks Volumes
The tee first turned heads in February when Ives himself wore it during his runway bow at the close of his Fall 2025 show at London Fashion Week. The designer stretched the shirt with both hands as he greeted the crowd, underlining the slogan and its deeper meaning.
The shirt’s message — both literal and symbolic — instantly resonated.
Just a day later, Ives announced via Instagram that the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt would be available for pre-order, with 100% of proceeds going to Trans Lifeline.
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“After the groundswell of support for the ‘Protect the Dolls’ tee, we will be putting the T-shirt up on our website for pre-order,” Ives wrote in a February 25 post. “Resources like this are now more important than ever, given the hostility and oppression the federal government has adapted towards trans people in America.”
He added, “I would not be where I am without the support I have been given by the dolls, so this is the least I could ever do to say thanks.”
Celebrities Are On Board — Loud and Proud
Soon after, a handful of celebrities helped the tee break the internet — in the best way possible.
Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” wore the shirt while celebrating his 50th birthday with DJ and music producer Honey Dijon. A snap from the celebration made its way online, and the message spread like wildfire.
Pedro Pascal pictured wearing a ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-Shirt at his 50th birthday party, alongside Honey Dijon.
All proceeds from the sales of the T-Shirt are donated to the Trans Lifeline charity. pic.twitter.com/0eX9XsjxYp
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 9, 2025
Then came Troye Sivan, who brought the shirt to one of the world’s biggest stages — literally. While crashing Charli XCX’s Coachella 2025 set to perform their “Talk Talk” remix, Sivan rocked the tee in front of a global audience streaming live on YouTube. Later, he posted a backstage shot on Instagram alongside Lorde and Billie Eilish, who also joined Charli for her surprise-packed set.
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And let’s not forget Haider Ackermann, the newly appointed creative director at Tom Ford. The Colombian-born French designer was seen wearing the shirt in a photo with actress Tilda Swinton — a moment that Ives gleefully reshared on his own social accounts.
From Runway to Reality
The buzz around the shirt hasn’t slowed down. On April 15, Ives reflected on the shirt’s unexpected journey in another Instagram post.
“I never had any idea what this would turn into, what we would be able to do with the printing of a tee,” he wrote. “Couldn’t be more proud of everyone that made this possible — the early adopters (Haider, Pedro, Troye), the stylists that connected the dots (and bought the tees! No press loans here), and the hordes of people that have donated to @translifeline.”
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He added that the first round of shipments was going out that week, and thanked fans for their patience.
Fashion With a Purpose
The shirt has become more than a wardrobe staple — it’s a badge of solidarity and support during a critical time for the trans community.
Trans Lifeline, the nonprofit benefiting from the T-shirt’s sales, is a trans-led organization that provides a crisis hotline, microgrants, and a network of peer support. Their mission is rooted in survival, empowerment, and building a more equitable future for trans people — something Ives clearly aligns with.
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt is available for purchase at connerives.com. And if you’re wondering — yes, it’s still flying off the digital shelves.
