As the man responsible for one of the hottest handbags of the last few years (it even thrived during a pandemic), you might think that Telfar Clemensis an unlikely candidate to design a kit for an Olympic team. You would be wrong. The Liberian-American designer has designed a collection for the Liberian team, providing them with 70 pieces from joggers to duffel bags and even leggings.
Interestingly, it's all thanks to one of the Liberian athletes, Emmanuel Matadi. He's currently ranked 23rd in the world in the 200 metres and 25th in the 100 metres and, when he overheard his girlfriend talking about Telfar's Shopping Bag (dubbed the Bushwick Birkin by its many fans), he decided to try to enlist the designer.
Telfar's sponsorship of the Liberian team does not just include their kit, either. The company will be covering travel and food, too, making this the largest outside investment it has ever made.
In just four months Clemens, along with Babak Radboy, his artistic director and business partner, had come up with the kit, which includes the Liberian flag throughout, fused with the Telfar logo. According to the New York Times, Clemens sees the upcoming Olympics (confusingly named the 2020 games) as a kind of fashion show – but 'a show everyone gets to see'.
When we have all seen the collection during the games, a limited range of athleisure will be available, launched on instagram just like the Shopping Bag. Later, in September, a broader line of sportswear will be shown and then will be absorbed into Telfar's core offering. 'It will be an evergreen collection,' Clemens told the New York Times. 'These are clothes we want to sell for the rest of our lives.'
Given the rate at which Telfar can shift £200 handbags, it seems likely that fans will rush to wear the brand's leggings, too. If you are keen, I'd suggest being ready to buy as soon as they drop to avoid disappointment. If you do miss the boat, however, it's worth remembering Telfar's mission statement. 'Not for you, for everyone.'
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10 of 24Pocket Sport, Claude Legging Red, WAS £55 NOW £48
11 of 24ILU, Destress Reversible Leggings, £52
12 of 24Nailah, Black High-waisted Leopard Running Leggings, £46
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