Conner Ives

Conner Ives is an American fashion designer based in London whose work has achieved significant recognition since his time at Central Saint Martins. Graduating in 2020, he had already gained notoriety for dressing prominent figures for the Met Gala while still a student. A finalist for the 2021 LVMH Prize, Ives is considered one of the leading voices of a new generation of designers focused on circularity and responsible production. His eponymous label is celebrated for its vibrant and highly personal interpretation of American cultural archetypes.

His career is defined by a commitment to the 'desirability' of sustainable fashion, elevating upcycled garments into the realm of high luxury. By using deadstock fabrics and vintage textiles, Ives creates collections that are both environmentally conscious and rich in narrative detail. His work often reflects his upbringing in New York and a deep appreciation for the diverse women who have influenced his creative journey, resulting in a design language that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Regenerated vintage garments and deadstock fabrics form the basis of a 'New Americana' aesthetic that reinterprets traditional cultural archetypes through a lens of contemporary responsibility. The work focuses on the 'desirability' of sustainable fashion, elevating upcycled textiles into high-fashion silhouettes that maintain their narrative history. By using existing materials as primary source data, the design process is one of transformation and collage, resulting in collections that are both environmentally conscious and aesthetically vibrant. This methodology prioritises the tangible value of pre-existing objects over the creation of the entirely new.

Nostalgia and personal memory inform the construction of garments that celebrate the diverse women of the designer’s New York upbringing. Silhouettes are often fluid and eclectic, reflecting a sophisticated yet unpretentious approach to luxury that values individual expression. This analytical engagement with American dress codes allows for a design language that is both familiar and subversive. By balancing responsible production with a high-impact visual signature, the house establishes a model for contemporary fashion that is both ethically grounded and culturally resonant.