The Craze of Telfar Bags

By Hania Sindhu 

Telfar Clemens first founded the brand TELFAR in 2005. It is a black-owned, New York based brand,  known for producing genderless fashion and simple designs. A quick look at the label’s site displays the many products sold: apparel, beanies, t-shirts, shoes, durags, hats, belts, jewelry, and of course bags. Although it was founded in 2005, TELFAR did not receive global recognition until fourteen years later. In 2019 the brand generated over $2 million in revenue, compared to $102,000 three years prior. Their bags were the reason for their skyrocketing success. 

Not just any bags,  but “Shopping Bags” as the brand has labeled them. These bags are embroidered with the signature TELFAR symbol “TC:'' and are the brand’s most popular product. These bags are meant to be inclusive,  stated through TELFAR’s motto that is boldly marked on their site: “TELFAR ‘NOT FOR YOU-FOR EVERYONE’”.  The name, “Shopping Bags” actually relates to this motto since it is gender neutral, emphasizing the inclusivity that TELFAR preaches. Besides the unisex design and name, the bags are made from vegan leather which contribute to the brands said motto. There are also twenty-eight different colors of the bag that allow for more choice and access to the products. The success of the Shopping Bag is attributed to the prices that are based on either the small, medium, or large sizes--these range from $150, $202, to $257, respectively. Clemens has made it clear that, no matter how popular the bags have gotten, the prices will always remain static. This is clearly transforming the luxury space with more affordable pricing that allows for greater access to the general public. Furthermore, bags drop on an exclusive basis which leads to a higher appetite and desire for purchase. Overall, the inclusivity led by TELFAR is the main source for the increasing popularity of their bags.