'Protect the dolls': A t-shirt raised $70K for trans people; here are the celebs who wore it
| 04/16/25
simbernardo
Troye Sivan; Conner Ives; Honey Dijon and Pedro PascalInstagram (@troyesivan; @connerives ives; @pascalispunk)After being worn by Troye Sivan, Pedro Pascal, and Haider Ackermann, the iconic "Protect the Dolls" by Conner Ives T-shirt has already raised $70,000 — in pre-sale purchases — to support transgender people.
With all proceeds being donated to Trans Lifeline — a non-profit organization that offers peer support, direct aid, a crisis hotline, and resources meant to uplift transgender people — Ives's "Protect the Dolls" T-shirt has already raised $70,000 in pre-sales.
As reported by Vogue, "American-born, London-based designer Conner Ives closed out his fall 2025 runway show at London Fashion Week in late February wearing a slogan T-shirt that read "Protect the Dolls." Ives walked out to take his bow, stretching the tee with both hands as if to underscore his statement."
The T-shirt quickly went viral, prompting Ives to actually put it on sale. The designer wrote in an Instagram post from February 25:
"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 tomorrow at 5pm GMT. All proceeds generated from the sale of this T-shirt will go directly to @translifeline a US-based, trans led organization that delivers life-saving services to those who need them most. The hotline connects trans people to a wider community, offering support and resources they need to survive and thrive. Resources like this are now more important than ever, given the hostility and oppression the federal government has adapted towards trans people in America. 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."
Protect the Dolls T-shirt by Conner Ives.
Conner Ives
But what started as a standout moment at a fashion show from Ives quickly became a must-have for celebrities wanting to take a stance in support of trans rights.
Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal was spotted wearing the "Protect the Dolls" T-shirt in one particular picture while celebrating his 50th birthday alongside DJ and music producer Honey Dijon. As expected, the photo went immediately viral and amplified the message of — and demand for — the T-shirt.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan was one of the guest performers who crashed Charli XCX's set at the 2025 Coachella Festival. As he joined XCX on the stage to perform "Talk Talk" from the Brat remix album, audiences spotted that he was wearing the "Protect the Dolls" T-shirt to deliver a message of support for transgender people through the international reach of Coachella as a festival that is livestreamed for free on YouTube.
In a picture shared on Instagram, Sivan posed alongside the other two musicians who joined XCX's Coachella set: Lorde (for the remix of "Girl, So Confusing") and Billie Eilish (for the remix of "Guess").
Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann and Tilda Swinton via Instagram.
Instagram (@connerives)
Colombian-born, French designer Haider Ackermann was also spotted wearing the "Protect the Dolls" t-shirt in a photo — posing with actress Tilda Swinton — that has since been re-shared by Conner Ives himself.
Ackermann, who was appointed as the new Creative Director of Tom Ford in February (via Vogue), has had a landmark year so far — and the picture of him wearing this t-shirt has certainly made the rounds across social networks.
On Tuesday, April 15, Ives shared an Instagram post reflecting on this cultural phenomenon. The designer wrote:
"I never had any idea what this would turn into, what we would be able to do with the printing of a tee.
Couldn’t be more proud of everyone that made this possible. The early adapters (Haider, Pedro, Troye) that made it a thing, the stylists that connected the dots (and bought the tees! No press loans here) and the hordes of people that have donated to @translifeline Moments like these remind me why I do this! Clothes that become something bigger. Absolutely wild. Thank you all.
1st batch going out this week, if you haven't received an email yet you will very shortly! Thank you for your patience."
The "Protect the Dolls" T-shirt can be purchased on connerives.com.
