Protect the Dolls: MAC and Conner Ives launch limited edition collection for trans visibility
Key takeaways
- MAC Cosmetics and Conner Ives launched a “Protect the Dolls” collection to support trans rights, with all proceeds benefiting related organizations.
- The limited edition items, including a lipstick and t-shirt, were created for International Transgender Day of Visibility.
- The campaign amplifies trans voices and continues MAC’s Viva Glam legacy of funding social justice causes.
MAC Cosmetics has partnered with Conner Ives for a limited edition “Protect the Dolls” lipstick and t-shirt to support trans equality. All of the proceeds from the collaboration will go to organizations advancing trans rights and social justice.
The cosmetics brand and fashion designer Conner Ives created the limited edition Protect the Dolls t-shirt and lipstick in shade, Viva Planet, in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.
The partnership is featured as part of MAC’s Viva Glam product portfolio.
MAC’s Viva Glam is a lipstick line with its history rooted in social awareness and philanthropy in the personal care sector. Initially launched in 1994 to combat HIV/AIDS at the height of the epidemic in the US, the line has historically donated 100% of its selling price to various organizations devoted to supporting health, equal rights, and social justice.
Viva Glam has raised over US$540 million, helping over 60 million people in 92 countries, which MAC touts as the largest charitable initiative in the beauty industry.
“Conner represents a new generation of designers who use 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,” says MAC global creative director Nicola Formichetti.
Protect the Dolls
The slogan on the shirt and the collection’s name, “Protect the Dolls,” carries a message of solidarity with trans and gender non-conforming people.
All of proceeds from the collaboration go to organizations advancing trans rights.
“Dolls” is a term referring to trans women and trans femmes originating in the 1980s ballroom scene. The phrase was popularized in the mainstream by modern celebrities following Conner Ives’ viral T-shirt worn during the Fall 2025 London Fashion Week finale.
Sales from the Ives’ shirt have raised over US$600,000 for Trans Lifeline in the US and Not a Phase in the UK.
The campaign amplifies trans visibility by enlisting four “dolls” to amplify the campaign: Pose actress Dominique Jackson, model and influencer Josephine DuPont, Ballroom icon and House of Revlon leader Ivy Stewart, and DJ Green Kim.
“With this collaboration, we can all show our support for a community that needs it now more than ever. Working 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,” says Conner Ives.
