THE ARTS
Telfar Clemens Inclusive Luxury Fashion BOKIE M U I GA I
You know a Telfar bag when you see it! The popular purse conspicuously dons the signature ‘TC’ emblem on its sleek, eye-catching frame. The verdict: it sells out within minutes of release, a testament to the style and business model of its founder. Telfar Clemens is a queer Liberian American fashion designer from New York City who is redefining gender norms in high fashion. While his brand has become synonymous with his highly sought-after vegan leather “Shopping Bags,” affectionately referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin,” his creativity extends into a vast laid-back streetwear collection. The rise of Clemens has been astounding to watch. He has been intentional in creating designs that represent his values. The free-spirited and charming creative has produced a luxury brand that is inclusive regardless of race, sexual identity or class. The company’s website boldly asserts, “Not For You, For Everyone,” to remind shoppers that indulgence should not be unattainable. His “one-look-fits-all” style led to him becoming the first solo Black male designer
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to win the Council of Fashion Designers of America /Vogue Fashion Fund in 2017. He later won the Accessory Designer category in 2020. Similarly, he has been recognized by PETA for his conscious use of vegan materials. His distinct personality stood out within the industry, resulting in understated, yet notable, collaborations with UGG and Converse, expanding his reach into the footwear industry. His products are so in-demand that during the pandemic he created a bag security program, ditching the wholesale approach to ensure that his supporters would secure his statement pieces. Previously, bots were snatching up the majority of his stock, presenting a barrier to his fans and countering his belief of accessibility. With this model, customers pre-ordered bags on the website, which were then made-to-order and shipped directly to them. The outcome: Proud customers generating $20 million in sales during the first rollout in August 2020. Clemens’ inspiration lies in the belief that high fashion should reflect its consumers.
