“Pay the dolls, platform the dolls, and protect the dolls!” Last year, Conner Ives launched a movement with his now iconic “Protect the Dolls” tee. Now the designer is partnering with VIVA GLAM on a new limited-edition tee and Lipstick to support the cause – 100% of proceeds will benefit organizations advancing trans equality and healthy futures for all. Catch up with the designer and some of his muses as they talk about the collab, beauty as activism, and how to show up for the dolls every day.
DOMINIQUE JACKSON, @DOMINIQUET.A.R.JACKSON
HOW DOES BEAUTY HELP YOU FEEL SEEN OR EMPOWERED?
Beauty is my truth! I am beautiful because I love exactly who I am, understanding that what societal beauty standards may see as flaws, I see as my unique assets.
WHO IN YOUR LIFE HAS INSPIRED YOU TO STAND UP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?
Many have inspired me to stand up for my community, including every single trans person I see that lives in their truth, unapologetically. More personally, my grandmother instilled a drive in me to always see each person as human and deserving, including myself. Also, my ballroom community taught me such strength and resilience that I am able to continue to thrive.
GREEN KIM, @GREENKIM_____
WHAT’S ONE MESSAGE YOU’D SHARE WITH TRANS YOUTH?
You are loved and you are exactly who you are supposed to be.
HOW DOES BEAUTY BECOME ACTIVISM FOR YOU?
For me, beauty has always been a powerful form of expression. Exploring beauty helped me understand myself and embrace my inner beauty as well. When we show up as our authentic selves, that visibility itself becomes a form of activism.
“WHEN WE SHOW UP AS OUR
AUTHENTIC SELVES, THAT
VISIBILITY ITSELF BECOMES A
FORM OF ACTIVISM.”
— GREEN KIM
“YOU AREN’T ALONE, SIS.”
— IVY STEWART
CONNER IVES, @CONNERIVES
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE “PROTECT THE DOLLS”?
I was feeling really distraught watching the news of my
trans friends rights being stripped away in front of my eyes. It
had gotten to a point where I felt I had to say something with my
chest - literally. I knew, however we did it, it was going to be
a product that we kept none of the profits from. The t-shirt does
as the t-shirt says.
WHY WAS PARTNERING WITH VIVA GLAM THE RIGHT NEXT STEP?
VIVA GLAM has always been an inspiration to me
and really inspired how I approach the intersection of
fashion, beauty and philanthropy. In the current
climate, it's needed now more than ever.
HOW CAN OTHERS SHOW UP TO SUPPORT THE DOLLS EVERY DAY?
Pay the dolls, platform the dolls, and protect the dolls!
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