Fashion as Activism: The Powerful Message of "Protect The Dolls"
The world of fashion has long been a platform for self-expression and social commentary. From the iconic "I AM A MAN" signs carried by African American healthcare workers in Memphis in 1968 to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s debut as creative director of Dior in 2017 with the slogan "We Should All Be Feminists," fashion has been a powerful tool for conveying messages of equality, respect, and social justice. The latest example of this is the "Protect The Dolls" campaign, which has taken the fashion world by storm.
According to an article by Vistelacalle, the "Protect The Dolls" movement began as a phrase on the internet, but quickly gained momentum when Conner Ives, a 28-year-old designer from Bedford, New York, created a white t-shirt with the slogan in black letters. Ives, who graduated from Central Saint Martins in London, has made a name for himself with his sustainable approach to fashion and his reinterpretation of American identity in his designs.
As Vistelacalle reports, Ives was inspired by the ballroom culture of the 1980s, where the term "dolls" was used as a term of endearment for trans women. He created the t-shirt in response to the difficult times faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the United States, where the new government has implemented laws that limit the rights of trans people. These laws include restrictions on access to gender-affirming treatments for minors and the exclusion of trans athletes from women’s sports.
The designer consulted with trans model Hunter Pifer to ensure that the message was conveyed correctly. The goal was to make a direct and powerful statement that represented the community. The t-shirt has since been worn by celebrities such as Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan, and Ives has set up a pre-order website, with proceeds going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organisation that provides support to the trans community.
As noted by Vistelacalle, this is not the first time that fashion has been used as a form of activism. Throughout history, clothing has been used to express resistance and solidarity during times of social crisis or transformation. The "Protect The Dolls" t-shirt is a contemporary example of this, encapsulating and disseminating a powerful message that reminds us that fashion not only dresses bodies but also causes and ideas.
In an interview with Vogue, Ives revealed that he had previously made a conscious decision to avoid using his fashion as a political statement. However, this time, he felt compelled to take a stand. As Vistelacalle quotes Ives, the idea was to "say it with your chest," and he took it literally.
The "Protect The Dolls" campaign is a testament to the power of fashion as a tool for social commentary and activism. As the fashion world continues to evolve, it is clear that designers like Conner Ives will continue to use their platforms to raise awareness and promote social justice.
The movement has sparked a conversation about the intersection of fashion and activism, and it will be interesting to see how this campaign unfolds in the coming months. One thing is certain, however: the "Protect The Dolls" t-shirt has become a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance, and its impact will be felt for a long time to come.
Sources: Vistelacalle, Vogue, WWD.
