Elon Musk's 21-year old daughter, Vivian Wilson, has officially made her debut in the fashion world by landing her first major campaign with the queer-owned clothing brand Wildfang. The campaign, launched in celebration of Pride Month, highlights Wilson’s collaboration with the brand’s CEO, Emma McIlroy, to create a T-shirt with a powerful message.
The campaign aims to raise funds for The Trevor Project, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth. Wilson, who came out as transgender in 2020, has been vocal about her identity and continues to use her platform to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and support.
Elon Musk’s daughter Vivian makes a bold statement in first fashion campaign
Wilson’s debut campaign features a white T-shirt with the slogan "Existing Shouldn’t Be Revolutionary," which she co-designed with McIlroy. The phrase reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in asserting their identities in a world that often challenges their right to exist freely and without judgment. McIlroy praised Wilson’s involvement in the project, describing her as a symbol of "bravery, brilliance, and bold self-expression."
In a press release, McIlroy emphasized the significance of the campaign, stating:
"Vivian represents everything we believe in: bravery, brilliance, and bold self-expression. This campaign gave us the chance to celebrate Vivian, her name, her power, her style, and the inspiration she provides to the queer community."
Vivian Wilson
Vivian Wilson’s bold T-shirt design supports LGBTQ+ mental health
The proceeds from the sale of the T-shirt will go to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. The campaign aligns with Wildfang’s mission to promote self-expression, diversity, and inclusion through fashion.
In a conversation with People magazine, Wilson reflected on the design process, explaining that she wanted to avoid creating a simple slogan and instead aimed for something that felt authentic and meaningful. She recalled the moment the slogan clicked during a brainstorming session with McIlroy:
"It was just like, ‘Oh, okay, this is perfect. Love it. Let’s just go with that.'"
Vivian Wilson
Bold visuals and personal statements
The campaign features Wilson in a series of bold and impactful looks. In one shot, she wears the white T-shirt with bright purple trousers and black Dr. Martens boots, exuding a confident and unapologetic vibe. Another striking image captures Wilson with a dramatic 40-foot-long hair braid spelling out her name across the floor, paired with a black vest, coordinating Bermuda shorts, and a printed button-up shirt.
Reflecting on the powerful visual styling, Wilson reportedly said:
"I saw myself in the mirror, and I was kind of like, ‘Oh, s—t, I’m gorgeous.’"This bold presentation reinforces the campaign’s theme of self-love, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.
Embracing identity and making a statement
Wilson’s journey to becoming a public figure has been marked by her outspoken advocacy for transgender rights. Since coming out as transgender in 2020, she has used her platform to raise awareness for the trans community, often speaking openly about her experiences and challenges. In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, she referred to her father as a "pathetic man child," reflecting the strained relationship between the two.
Despite these challenges, Wilson remains committed to using her voice for positive change.
She recently participated in a runway event for RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she showcased her modeling skills and continued to push for greater visibility for the trans community. In an interview with People, she expressed her determination to remain vocal, stating:
"I’m always going to be vocal because it is who I am. I’ve got to be a trans woman."Wilson added with characteristic boldness:
"Obviously, I’m never going to shut the f—k up. … I can’t say that."The broader impact of the campaign
The Wildfang campaign not only marks Wilson’s entry into the fashion world but also serves as a powerful statement on the importance of representation and self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community. It celebrates the courage to live authentically and challenges the notion that simply existing should be viewed as a revolutionary act.
In a final note, the press release for the campaign emphasised the significance of chosen names and identities, stating:
"VIVIAN WILSON FOR WILDFANG is a tribute to the names we choose, the identities we honor, and the communities that lift us up when the world tries to tear us down. Because a name is more than an identifier. It’s a statement. And for Vivian Jenna Wilson, it’s just the beginning."