Written by Kathryn Andes
Telfar Clemens, founder and owner of Telfar, started his brand in 2005 in NYC as an undergraduate student at Pace University. Telfar has been popularized by their highly sought after shopping tote, making appearances from the red carpet to Instagram influencers. Since then the Telfar brand has become a staple for street stylers, celebrities, and models alike.
In 2017, Telfar Clemens received the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, and invested that money for production of the Telfar Shopping tote. The shopping tote is available in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. The coveted mini handbag has been spotted on actresses such as Issa Rae, Zoe Kravitz, and Gabrielle Union. The infamous shopping tote has made a name for itself as the “Bushwick Birkin” due to its demand among high profile Brooklyn residents.
Dua Lipa sporting her Telfar large shopping tote in margarine, 2020
The award winning bag made waves in the fashion community in 2020. The bags sold out on their website within seconds, and have been seen on the resale market with a huge markup. Shortly after, Telfar initiated their Bag Security Program, which I took part in first hand. There have only been four Bag Security Programs since the brand’s success in 2020, and customers are currently waiting to receive their bags between July and October 2022.
Zoe Kravitz wearing her Telfar mini shopping tote in dark olive, 2021
How it works: normally the Telfar Shopping Totes are only released in one color at a time whenever the brand restocks. It’s encouraged to join their email list so you can receive a notification when the bag you’re fiending for comes back in stock. But there is always a chance that you’ll show up late to the party, and your bag will sell out. When taking part in the Bag Security Program, you can purchase any size bag in any color offered. However, there is a long waiting time for shipping, as the bag is custom made just for you. I personally ordered a small shopping tote and a medium shopping tote in November 2021, and received both of my bags in July 2022, roughly an eight month waiting period. It is unknown when they will launch a fifth Bag Security Program, but it is likely to occur after the success of the previous initiatives.
Lil Nas X holding his Telfar mini shopping tote in white, 2021
Celebrities such as Beyonce are known supporters of the Telfar shopping tote. The artist was spotted wearing the infamous Telfar bag in white, and has even posted the bag on her Instagram. In her most recent album, Renaissance, her verse stated:
Versace, Bottega
Prada, Balenciaga
Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy
Collect your coins Beyoncé
So elegant and raunchy
This haute couture I’m flaunting
This Telfar bag imported
Birkins, them shits in storage
I’m in my bag
We accept Telfar on consignment at DoubleTake, so be sure to sign up for our email list and be the first to know when we get the coveted Telfar shopping tote in the store. Shopping Telfar on consignment is a great way to avoid the long waiting period, and jump on the fashion trend now.
The brand's notorious slogan reads “It’s not for you, it's for everyone” making luxury vegan leather handbags accessible for the masses, yet still maintaining their fashionable, designer status. Telfar is rapidly making a name for itself in the fashion industry and we can’t wait to see what they design next.
Sources:
https://www.nylon.com/fashion/telfar-bag-celebrity-red-carpet
https://www.thecut.com/2022/07/beyonce-renaissance-birkin-bag.html
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