Designer Conner Ives draws on memories of his rural New York upbringing to create expressive, emotionally resonant silhouettes worn by the likes of Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Now based in London after studying at Central Saint Martins, Ives approaches design as an exploration of American identity, blending nostalgia with sustainably sourced materials.
Recently, Ives made a striking cultural statement with his “Protect the Dolls” T‑shirt, which debuted on the runway during his Autumn Winter 2025 collection at London Fashion Week. The shirt, emblazoned with a poignant message of support for transgender women, quickly transcended the confines of fashion, garnering attention from high-profile figures. Worn by the likes of Pedro Pascal at the Thunderbolts London premiere and Troye Sivan during his performance at Coachella, it became a symbol of activism, seamlessly merging advocacy with aesthetic. This piece exemplifies Ives’ ongoing commitment to using his platform not just for creative expression, but for engaging with vital social conversations, making him one of the most compelling voices in contemporary fashion.
What’s the first rule you remember breaking?
Maybe not talking? I’m a big talker and always have been. I was the kid in elementary school who was told they were ‘a distraction to others’ on their report card regularly. Nothing has changed!
Where do you go when the world feels too loud?
I‘m a homebody, so I think home has always been the place where I’ve gone for solace. I also love my noise-cancelling AirPods – those changed my life. But I also don’t like the feeling of sound being muted around me – I fear that a bus is going to hit me.
If your design process had a soundtrack, what’s track one?
Make It Happen (live at Madison Square Garden) by Mariah Carey. INCREDIBLE. So optimistic and one of my favourite songs of all time. I love how she opens the song with the ad lib ’This is for all of you out there, reaching for a dream _– don’t ever give up!’
What does independence taste like to you?
A job that allows me to do whatever I want to do and have lunch whenever I want. I’m lucky! And sometimes that tastes like a tuna melt.
Which fashion rule deserves to be buried for good?
No white after Labour Day – and that brown, black or navy can’t be worn simultaneously.
What secret do your clothes tell the wearer?
Hmm… probably that I’ve worn a lot of the same things since high school? That might not be a secret, but my style and tastes have remained largely unchanged for the last decade.
Beyond labels and buzzwords – what’s your true manifesto?
It’s not that deep!
What’s the most surreal moment your designs have lived?
So many. I think being in the Met Gala or walking the steps on that carpet, or anything that has been worn on Rihanna’s shoulders.
If your brand was a film – who’s the antihero leading the story?
ME!
Experience the Sublime issue in its entirety this March, available on newsstands from Monday 9 March 2026, and through our online shop. Find a stockist near you.
Stay inspired, follow us.
