BY: Sierra Kennedy
Published 1 week ago
When a simple slogan hits the runway, red carpets, and protest signs in just a matter of weeks, you know it’s bigger than fashion. The “Protect the Dolls” movement has done exactly that. What started as a bold T-shirt design by Conner Ives at London Fashion Week has transformed into a viral cultural and political statement. With proceeds going to Trans Lifeline and the phrase rooted in ballroom history, the message has caught fire among celebrities worldwide. Here’s a look at celebs who have joined the Protect the Dolls movement and how their support has amplified the cause.
The Impact of the Movement
The phrase “Protect the Dolls” first gained visibility in February 2025 when Ives wore the shirt himself at the close of his London Fashion Week show. Within 24 hours, more than 2,500 preorders came in, raising tens of thousands of dollars for Trans Lifeline, a trans-led crisis hotline and peer support nonprofit.
But the true impact came when celebrities began wearing it publicly. From red carpets to music festivals, these stars used their platforms to send a clear message: trans lives deserve protection. In an era when anti-trans rhetoric is at an all-time high, celebrity endorsement has pushed the movement into mainstream culture.
Here’s a roundup of some recent celeb sightings in the influential dolls tee.
Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal, a known LGBTQIA+ ally, wore the Protect the Dolls tee at both his 50th birthday celebration and the “Thunderbolts” premiere. Photos of him in the shirt went viral almost instantly, sparking thousands of social shares and solidifying the slogan as a fashion-forward statement of trans solidarity.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan brought Protect the Dolls to the festival stage by wearing a cropped version of the shirt during his Coachella 2025 set. Outlets covering the performance highlighted how his styling choice amplified the message to a global music audience.
Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton was photographed in the Protect the Dolls T-shirt at a charity gala in London. Known for her history of supporting LGBTQIA+ causes, her choice of outfit was covered as another example of her subtle but impactful queer allyship.
Haider Ackermann
Renowned designer Haider Ackermann was spotted in the Protect the Dolls tee alongside Tilda Swinton. Known for his bold design sensibilities, his decision to wear the shirt blurred the line between high fashion and grassroots activism. His participation highlighted how deeply the message resonated within the fashion world itself.
Addison Rae
Addison Rae introduced the movement to a younger audience when she wore the tee during Coachella’s second weekend. With nearly 40 million Instagram followers, her endorsement gave the campaign a huge boost among Gen Z fans. Her casual styling of the shirt showed how easily activism and festival fashion can go hand in hand.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX has always had deep ties to queer culture, so her support came as no surprise. She was seen wearing the Protect the Dolls tee while out for drinks, turning a casual night into a moment of visibility. With her global influence and largely queer fanbase, her endorsement amplified the message far beyond fashion circles.
Naomi McPherson (MUNA)
Naomi McPherson, guitarist of the queer indie-pop trio MUNA, gave the movement a boost when they posted an Instagram Story adjusting their tee. The candid moment quickly circulated among fans, showcasing how artists can normalize allyship in everyday spaces. McPherson’s participation connected Protect the Dolls with the music world in an authentic way.
Nick Knight
Legendary photographer Nick Knight added his own weight to the movement by posting selfies in the Protect the Dolls tee. Known for his striking visuals of models, his simple caption, “Protect the dolls,” spoke louder than any elaborate statement. Knight’s involvement linked the campaign to the art and photography world, further proving its cultural reach.
Why Celebrity Support Matters
Celebrity endorsement doesn’t solve systemic issues — but it does spark visibility and conversation. In just a few months, the Protect the Dolls movement has gone from a fashion week finale to a cultural flashpoint carried by household names. For many, seeing their favorite actor, pop star, or influencer wear the shirt is more than a style moment — it’s an affirmation of solidarity.
Which celebrity’s support for Protect the Dolls inspired you most? Share your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear from you.
