Conner Ives, born in 1996 in Bedford, New York, is a London-based fashion designer celebrated for his innovative approach to sustainability and storytelling through fashion. After moving to London in 2014, he studied at Central Saint Martins, where his talent quickly garnered attention. While still a student, he dressed model Adwoa Aboah for the 2017 Met Gala, a pivotal moment that led to collaborations with Rihanna on her Fenty collection. Ives’s designs often reflect American cultural archetypes, blending nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his use of upcycled materials and deadstock fabrics, aiming to challenge the fast fashion cycle and promote circular fashion practices.
Ives’s design process is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from his upbringing and the women who influenced him. His collections frequently feature bold colors, eclectic patterns, and a mix of vintage and modern elements. Notable collaborations include a capsule collection with Depop, focusing on upcycled accessories and ready-to-wear clothing, and a partnership with Jimmy Choo, resulting in distinctive footwear showcased during his Fall 2025 collection. Additionally, his work has been featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibition, highlighting his impact on contemporary fashion narratives.
Ives’s contributions to fashion have been recognized with several awards, including the BFC Foundation Award in 2023 and the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2025, which provided him with a £150,000 grant and mentorship to support his growing business. Beyond accolades, he uses his platform for advocacy, notably through his “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt campaign, which raised over $70,000 for Trans Lifeline, supporting transgender rights. Ives continues to redefine sustainable fashion, merging activism with design to create pieces that resonate both aesthetically and socially.
