The Telfar bag, or the “Bushwick Birkin” as some have started to call it on social media, originally came out in 2014.
However, over the past year or so, it has become possibly the most sought-after black accessory on the market. The iconic bag has built such a cult following that the brand announces new drops every week and is constantly selling.
Many celebrities have been seen wearing Telfar bags including Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Wendy Williams, Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez and even politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
So how did this simple vegan leather bag become so popular?
It all started in 2005, when Libero-American designer Telfar Clemens, then a student at Pace University, decided to launch his own brand of unisex clothing. They wanted to do something that transcends the genre; the brand’s motto is “not for you – for everyone”.
After the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many more, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained attention across the country, creating a national outcry to support black businesses. Since then, Telfar has seen an increase in demand for their bags.
The iconic logo of the Telfar bag is actually a monogram representing Clemens’ full name. When Clemens was in school, their teacher made monograms for each of his students and the Telfar logo was their assigned symbol.
Most of Clemens’ designs comment on identity, American culture, and consumerism.
“We were looking at everyone with their holiday grocery bags and thought it was so funny to think of that as a unisex figure,†they said. “We literally measured a Bloomingdale bag to make our own… If you think about it, what could be more fashionable than a bag used to carry fashion? “
CJ Green is a fashion enthusiast and collector of Telfar bags. They saw a valuable representation in the Telfar brand.
“Whenever I have the opportunity to support queer people of color, I absolutely take the time to do so because I feel like these communities have faced so much oppression on multiple axes that makes their survival and success even more difficult, â€they said. “Plus, I feel so much love and pride to be able to see myself reflected in a fashion business that I admire. Fashion is one of the most important elements in expressing who I am, and having someone. like me who represents myself and serves me, it feels good.
The brand’s message from day one was about diversity and inclusion. It’s beyond performative activism – compared to luxury brands from other designers, the Telfar is affordable. The price of a Telfar bag ranges from $ 150 to $ 257, well under the thousands of dollars that many high fashion brands charge for similarly styled products. As a result of this pricing, Telfar was able to develop a fan base across a range of ages, classes, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
As the demand for these bags continues to grow, Telfar’s online store is constantly selling. In response to resellers who buy and sell the bags at premium prices, Telfar has developed the Bag Safety Program, opening custom bag pre-orders months in advance and ensuring that everyone can get a Telfar bag. at a reasonable price, rather than turning to a scalper. In this way, the brand is able to secure its affordable luxury status.
Wearing a Telfar bag is not just a fashion statement, but a political statement. This shows your support for the Black and Queer community.
