Telfar Clemens, the designer behind the iconic “Bushwick Birkin,” celebrated the grand opening of their first flagship store in Soho on Saturday, November 23rd, offering fans a chance to shop, meet the designer, and even show off their talents on Telfar TV. The 10,000-square-foot space at 208 Broadway is a major milestone for the Liberian-American designer, whose genderless, democratic brand has become a symbol of community and inclusivity, especially for young, creative New Yorkers.
And while the fashion world might know the Telfar bag as the “Bushwick Birkin,” Clemens made it clear that they don’t identify with that nickname. “I don’t call it that. I call it the Telfar bag. I am not aspiring to be a Birkin, but I love Bushwick—that’s where I hang out all the time. I live and love and rep Bushwick. I’m there all the time,” Clemens told Bushwick Daily.
The “Bushwick Birkin” moniker, coined by makeup artist Xya Rachel in a 2019 tweet, took off as a playful way to describe the bag’s status symbol appeal among young, artistic New Yorkers, especially in Brooklyn. The bag, with its simple design and affordable price point (between $150 and $257), offered an alternative to the exclusive, high-priced Hermès Birkin bag.
But for many in our neighborhood, the Telfar bag is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of representation and belonging. As Clemens told The Cut back in 2020, “Someone like me wasn’t thought of as a fashion customer” when they started their line in 2005. Clemens set out to change that, creating a brand that reflects the diversity and creativity of thier community.
The new flagship store gives fans a chance to experience the world of Telfar firsthand. The space features a unique “bag bar” reminiscent of a New York City bodega, where shoppers can browse the various colors and sizes of the iconic vegan leather (and now authentic leather) Telfar bag. There’s also a dedicated apparel section, where fans can finally try on Telfar’s genderless clothing collection in person.
The grand opening celebration was a true reflection of the Telfar brand’s community-driven ethos. Clemens was incredibly warm and engaging with fans, taking photos and signing bags. The latter part of the day turned into a showcase of local talent, with fans invited to perform in the in-house Telfar.TV studio. Those brave enough to share their skills, or who won Telfar trivia, were featured on the Telfar TV livestream and scored a free bag!
The energy of the event was electric, with special performances by Cleotrapa, Munilong, Rah Digga, Ellie the Elephant, and Lil Kim, who all rocked their own custom Telfar looks. Guests sipped complimentary cocktails, danced with Ellie the Elephant, and celebrated Black excellence with the designer themself.
The Telfar flagship store officially opened to the public on Wednesday, November 27th.
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