Telfar

Built on an inclusive business model, Telfar is rewriting the rules of luxury fashion by making it accessible for all. Dubbed the "Bushwick Birkin," Telfar’s Shopping Bag has become THE symbol of group identity for young, creative New Yorkers, especially empowering for queer and Black communities. Inspired by his own African roots and racial reckoning, Telfar Clemens co-designed a line of unisex uniforms for Team Liberia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The brand created the Bag Security Program to combat bots and resellers, which lets anyone pre-order a bag during 24-hour periods, turning customers into “investors.” During Fall NYFW 2021, Telfar launched its first TV channel, which will allow loyalists to shop the latest product drips rather than dropping merchandise through e-commerce. The public access channel will also be a hub for new talents sourced directly from the community.

Let the logo do the talking. The brand’s iconic logo has been the main driver of its popularity, leading to word-of-mouth marketing and strengthening the members’ sense of belonging. Telfar has never done any marketing for the bag, relying solely on social posts and reposts, and they celebrate overexposure as a badge of honour.