Conner Ives

The rising designer on American fashion today, working for Rihanna and what it takes to be sustainable

- Cherry Mui

Alongside the many established names at last year’s Met Gala, themed “Part One: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, was Conner Ives, whose graduation work made its way into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibition for 2021. The American-born, London-based designer was invited by Anna Wintour to dress model Natalia Bryant and attend fashion’s biggest night out—but this was not his first Met experience. In 2017, top model Adwoa Aboah wore a custom-made Conner Ives dress to the ball. “It felt really surreal to be able to be there by the time I was 21,” Ives recalls, “and then attend four years later myself with one of the dresses I am most proud of.”

After Rihanna saw that first dress, she employed him for her brand Fenty. By the age of 22, while still a student at Central Saint Martins, he was presenting his sketches directly to the singer and fashion mogul, who he calls “the best boss ever”. “I was on a team with people in their 30s and 40s— we were all treated the same, and she knew everyone’s name in the room,” says Ives. “In fashion, that kind of kindness in big companies is quite rare, so I cherished the opportunity.” His eponymous label was established soon after graduation, with his signature reclaimed patchwork T-shirt dress winning over celebrities. Ives became known for his nostalgic yet energetic style, as well as his focus on sustainability, and he was named a finalist of the prestigious LVMH Prize, which rewards young fashion designers’ outstanding creativity, in 2021.