MAC launches limited-edition ‘Protect the Dolls’ collection with Conner Ives

MAC Cosmetics has partnered with designer Conner Ives to launch a limited-edition collaboration in recognition of Trans Day of Visibility on 31 March. 

The collaboration features a redesigned version of Ives’s 'Protect the Dolls' T‑shirt and a Viva Glam lipstick in the Viva Planet beige shade, presented in an exclusive design.

It comes after the original Protect the Dolls piece, worn by Ives at his AW25 finale during London Fashion Week, quickly became a sought-after item. More than 17,000 units have been sold to date, raising over $600,000 for organisations including Trans Lifeline in the US and Not A Phase in the UK.

For this new collaboration, 100% of the selling price will be donated to organisations supporting trans equality and the well-being of people of all ages, races and genders worldwide.

In the UK, proceeds will benefit Mermaids, a charity providing helplines, family support and advocacy for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse youth. In the US, funds will support The Trevor Project, offering 24/7 crisis services, peer support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth.

Nicola Formichetti, MAC Global Creative Director, described the partnership as a continuation of Viva Glam’s advocacy mission: "Partnering with Conner Ives on Protect the Dolls through MAC Viva Glam is a very special moment for us.

"Conner represents a new generation of designers using their platform with purpose, and that commitment to community is something we strongly align with at MAC Viva Glam has always stood for advocacy and action. This collaboration strengthens that mission and expands our support for trans communities around the world."

Conner Ives added that the collaboration is personally meaningful: "This collaboration with MAC and Viva Glam is deeply personal to me, having grown up endlessly inspired by the Viva Glam campaigns that came before it.

"Together we’re using this rallying cry to fund care, spark conversation and stand in solidarity with people whose lives and voices deserve protection, celebration and support."

The accompanying campaign is fronted by Dominique Jackson, Josephine DuPont, Ivy Stewart and Green Kim, who "lend their voices and visibility to the Protect the Dolls".

MAC Viva Glam, founded in 1994, has a long history of supporting sexual, gender, racial and environmental equality. Since its inception, the programme has raised more than $540 million across 92 countries for charitable organisations worldwide.

The Protect the Dolls collaboration is available online and at select MAC locations.