Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Telfar Clements

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Telfar Reveals New Bag Designs, Talks Flagship Store Opening + More
Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host/Author: The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Telfar Clements

1. Introduction

[00:55] DJ Envy:
“The Breakfast Club. Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlamagne. We are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building from Queens, New York. Queens. Get the money. And he got a lot of it, ladies and gentlemen.”

[01:09] Charlaamagne Tha God:
“Telfar Clements.”

[01:10] DJ Envy:
“Welcome, brother.”

[01:12] Telfar Clements:
“Hey, what's up, baby?”

2. Excitement About New Developments

[01:16] Telfar Clements:
“How you feeling this morning? Yeah, I feel good. I'm glad to be here with y'all. Lots of new things going on.”

[01:26] Telfar:
“I'm back in being to a Manhattan night. So I'm like, lots of cool things are coming to the city.”

3. Flagship Store Opening

[01:40] Telfar:
“First off, November 23rd, the Telfar store opens in Manhattan, New York City.”

[02:05] DJ Envy:
“Congratulations.”

[03:20] Telfar:
“The store is not just a pop-up; it's on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the brand. This is what I wanted to do—a 360 brand experience where everything is housed in one place.”

[04:35] Telfar:
“When you go to the store, you can get any bag, any size, any color, and even bags that you haven't seen yet will be there. Plus, there are dedicated sections for clothing and Telfar TV.”

4. Addressing Counterfeits

[02:05] DJ Envy:
“They just recently did a sting and they said they got $40 million worth of fake bags off the streets.”

[02:09] Telfar:
“That's horrible. And why not leave those people alone? It doesn't affect sales since the price is the same.”

[02:36] Telfar:
“I made good friends with all the bag dealers down there. They're very sweet men.”

5. Brand Philosophy and Inclusivity

[03:21] Telfar:
“This store ties back to Telfar TV, allowing customers to be part of the TV process, including new runway shows. Our brand is unisex and caters to a diverse audience, which isn't typically available in other stores.”

[05:35] DJ Envy:
“You always keep your prices the same. Even with the recent success, you haven’t skyrocketed your prices.”

[11:35] Telfar:
“Somebody doesn't buy style. Money doesn't buy style. The brokest people are the flyest. Style and culture aren’t bought.”

6. Origin and Success of Telfar

[06:35] DJ Envy:
“You're from Queens, New York. How did a young boy from Left Rack City get into making bags, and how did it become successful?”

[06:43] Telfar:
“I’ve always been interested in clothes and expressing myself through fashion. Coming from West African parents, I wanted to break away from traditional norms. Initially, I aimed to be an accountant but realized my passion was in fashion, especially creating what didn’t exist for someone like me.”

[10:14] DJ Envy:
“In the last four years, your brand has become one of the biggest Black-owned brands without any investors, traditional advertising, or stores. How did you achieve that?”

[10:27] Telfar:
“It's the people. The fans see a reflection of themselves. The iconic bag serves as an entryway to the brand, allowing people to connect and understand what's behind it. Despite operating independently, the brand's authenticity has resonated globally.”

7. Relationship with Celebrities

[11:26] Charlaamagne:
“I love that even with your success, you haven’t changed your prices.”

[11:49] Telfar:
“Beyoncé and the Knowles family have been instrumental. Solange was one of the first to wear a Telfar bag, helping elevate the brand’s profile.”

[13:35] Telfar:
“We met through Solange during a project at the Guggenheim for her album rollout. Collaborations like these help shape the unique runway shows we aim to create.”

8. Telfar TV and Future Projects

[14:37] Charlaamagne:
“What is Telfar TV? What can we expect?”

[14:41] Telfar:
“Telfar TV is an interactive public access experience, similar to our online energy but in a long-form format. Users can contribute by posting their own videos. It’s being built alongside the TV station with various upcoming projects.”

[15:21] Telfar:
“Whenever you see me with these glasses, you're part of the Telfar TV experience.”

9. Challenges and Industry Pressures

[21:01] DJ Envy:
“Do you feel like Black designers get criticized more than others?”

[21:28] Telfar:
“White designers aren't labeled as such. People might have preconceived notions based on aesthetics, but I strive to challenge stereotypes and create inclusive fashion that transcends cultural boundaries.”

[24:11] DJ Envy:
“Did any fashion houses try to box you out?”

[24:11] Telfar:
“They haven’t offered deals that align with my brand’s values. Many designers want to produce collections but don’t allow for authentic sales. I prefer to operate independently, maintaining creative freedom.”

10. Grand Opening Details

[29:05] Telfar:
“November 23rd is the grand opening of our store at 408 Broadway on Canal Street. Expect a block party with performances, giveaways, and unique interactive experiences. We aim to make the store a long-term fixture in the city.”

[31:24] DJ Envy:
“The grand opening will feature performances and special giveaways. Support your favorite brands and enjoy the festivities!”

[33:08] DJ Envy:
“November 23rd is the opening of the first Telfar store on Canal Street and Broadway. There will be performances, giveaways, and a block party atmosphere. Make sure to support and purchase from the store.”

11. Conclusion

[33:38] DJ Envy:
“We appreciate you for joining us. November 23rd, grand opening of the first store, Canal Street and Broadway. Make sure you head out there. Support your favorite brands and enjoy the festivities!”

[33:55] Telfar:
“Wake that ass up early in the morning.”

Notable Quotes

• Telfar Clements ([10:27]):
  “It's the people. The fans see a reflection of themselves. The iconic bag serves as an entryway to the brand.”

• DJ Envy ([05:13]):
  “But does that make you nervous, though? Because part of the mystique was the exclusivity of getting the drop before it sells out.”

• Telfar Clements ([11:35]):
  “Money doesn't buy style. The brokest people are the flyest.”

• Telfar Clements ([12:38]):
  “I'm not about selling anything. I own my own name. It’s about creating an interactive story.”

• DJ Envy ([28:43]):
  “You still get giddy and excited anytime you see a bag on someone.”

Key Takeaways

• Flagship Store: Telfar is launching its first physical store in Manhattan on November 23rd, aiming to create a comprehensive brand experience beyond just shopping.

• Inclusivity: The brand emphasizes unisex designs and caters to a diverse customer base, challenging traditional fashion norms.

• Independence: Telfar has grown significantly without traditional investors or advertising, relying on community support and authenticity.

• Counterfeits: While counterfeits are a challenge, Telfar maintains positive relationships with counterfeit dealers, viewing it as a sign of success.

• Future Projects: Telfar TV is an upcoming interactive platform that will feature long-form content and user-generated videos.

• Celebrity Endorsements: Collaborations with figures like Solange Knowles have been pivotal in elevating the brand’s profile.

• Grand Opening: The store opening will feature a block party with performances and giveaways, reinforcing Telfar's commitment to community engagement.

For those interested in fashion innovation, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial success, this episode provides valuable insights into Telfar Clements' journey and vision for the future.