The Telfar Shopping Bag, commonly known as the "Bushwick Birkin," is an It bag like none other. Featured on shows like "Insecure" [1] and endorsed by celebrities like Beyoncé [2] and Lil Nas X [3], the rectangular carryall is not just a hot commodity; for many, it's also a powerful symbol of representation [4]. When Liberian American founder Telfar Clemens launched his unisex label in 2005, he specified in his mission statement that he aims to redefine luxury. Rather than create a culture of exclusivity, his approach to luxury is "not for you, for everyone." And with Shopping Bag styles retailing from $150 to $257, Clemens is indeed making luxury more accessible and inclusive.
All of this, plus the fact that the bags are vegan friendly and extremely functional, causes every Telfar bag drop [5] to sell out in a matter of seconds, whether it's a new colorway [6] or an entirely new design [7]. So fast, in fact, that the brand launched the former Bag Security Program [8] to ensure everyone who wants a Telfar bag can purchase one. Through the Bag Security Program, customers can buy as many Shopping Bags as they desire; the items are then made to order and shipped by a certain date.
Telfar also regularly partners with brands for highly anticipated collabs, teaming up with everyone from Moose Knuckles to UGG, Eastpak to Rainbow. With Clemens's seemingly endless well of design inspiration, each piece looks memorable and distinct. The Moose Knuckles collab yielded an oversize tote with an allover logo print, while his UGG partnership is marked by its iconic boot silhouette with Telfar's "TC" logo integrated into the top of the shoe.
There's never been a better time to secure the bag, so read on for everything you need to know about purchasing a Telfar style of your own.
Where to Buy a Telfar Bag?
You can purchase every style of the Telfar Shopping Bag on Telfar's website [9], which is periodically restocked with new products. You can also buy select Telfar items on Amazon [10] and take advantage of faster shipping. To stay updated on the latest news, sign up for the brand's newsletter and regularly refresh its website and social accounts.
Styles available on Amazon include select colors of the Telfar Medium Shopping Bag [11] ($222), Telfar Large Shopping Bag [12] ($382), Telfar Small Shopping Bag [13] ($211), Telfar Small Puff Shopper [14] ($110), and the Telfar String Bag [15] ($90).
What Is a Telfar Bag Made Of?
The Telfar bag is crafted from sustainable vegan leather, making it an eco-friendly fashion item. Packaged in a 100 percent cotton dust bag, the Shopping Bag features an exterior made of faux leather, lined with woven twill.
What Is the Telfar Bag Price?
The small Telfar Shopping Bag retails for $150, the medium rings in at $202, and you can purchase the large for $257. With these relatively affordable price points, Telfar is actively pioneering change in the luxury space, making it accessible to more people.
Is There a Telfar Store?
Telfar officially has a physical store [16] in New York City located at 408 Broadway. Teh brand's first-ever brick-and-mortar location is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM EST to 7 PM EST, and Sunday from 12 PM EST to 6 PM EST.
What Is the Telfar Bag Security Program?
The strategic program offered everyone who wants to own a Telfar bag a chance to purchase one. For a limited timespan, customers were able to order one or as many bags as they'd like. The bags were then made to order and shipped quickly.
The first iteration was offered in August 2020, and the second followed later in March 2021. The third took place in October 2021 and the fourth occurred on April 14, 2022. Once all orders are placed, the brand began production and shipped out the bags within a specific timeframe.
Telfar x UGG Collab
The Telfar x UGG collab is among the brand's most popular, with fans clamoring to own one of the pieces featuring exposed shearling trim and a plush rendering of the signature logo. The original collab featured chestnut and black colorways and eventually expanded to include pink and blue hues, as a nod to iconic UGG colors from the 2000s.
UGG x Telfar Large Shopper in Blue [17] ($420)
Telfar x Moose Knuckles Second Capsule Collaboration
The bestselling Telfar x Moose Knuckles collab is everything you love about both brands with a futuristic spin. The debut collection featured 24 pieces of ready-to-wear and accessories, including the iconic allover logo-print shopping bags in gold and silver and new performance-driven outerwear. The designs "embody ostentatious anonymity: a distinctly New York penchant for getting noticed while minding your own business," as the press release eloquently states. Shop the full collection [18] here.
Moose Knuckles x Telfar Quilted Medium Shopper — Gold [19] ($395)
The Telfar Duffle Bag Returned
The Telfar Duffle bag was first made available to shop on Telfar.net in May of 2022. The functional design comes in small, medium, and large and ranges from $290 to $430. It features twin logo-embossed side pockets, an inner pocket, twin handles, and a detachable shoulder strap for maximum practicality. It's finished with silver hardware and logo zipper pulls for a timeless look and feel.
— Additional reporting by Jessica C. Andrews [21]
Shelcy Joseph [22] is a former associate fashion editor at Popsugar, and a self-proclaimed fashion student with a passion for interviewing minority designers and offering informed takes on style and business. She is also the co-founder of NYCXCLOTHES, a successful fashion and lifestyle storytelling platform dedicated to increasing Black and Brown representation in influencer marketing. She has extensive experience in editorial, social media marketing, and commerce writing. In her free time, she loves to hunt down vintage decor pieces and cook new recipes.
Jessica C. Andrews [23] (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.