Not For You, For Everyone
- Jayden Cohen-Boyce
- Mar 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Wassup Faddom! I hope you have been resting. This first quarter of 2025 has been so fast and so slow at the same time! Last week, I stepped away from reality and went to see some family in South Carolina for a quick vacay, buttttt I was more like Rapunzel in a tower. My whole family was of course working and busy, so what was supposed to be a trip for family turned into a solitude trip. Note to self: last minute travels during the week likely means everyone will be at work. Luckily, I like my alone time, and really needed the peace and quiet to think, breathe, and rejuvenate. Here I am post trip, energized and ready to finish Q1 strong and begin Q2 with some ambition.
While on my solo trip I wore some pieces from the brand Telfar out of New York City. They had a recent 50% off (almost site wide) sale, and I suddenly needed to purchase things, that dang capitalism. And while I didn't go anywhere to show it off, I was very comfortable in my sweatskirt, long flowy shorts, and split side sweatpants. And let me just say, I do like other brands as well and shop other brands, I just have had a lot of Telfar come into my closet recently with their different sales and what not, so that's why I have been talking about them so much, but when Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, Luar, and Willy Chavaria have sales, TRUST I will be raving about them too.
This week's blog, I wanted to talk about adaptive clothing , and why I think Telfar would be a great brand to explore adaptive clothing and even dream up a campaign for their first line of adaptable garments.
Not For You, For Everyone
Telfar Global, officially, is a unisex fashion brand started by Telfar Clemons, a Liberian-American designer in New York City, in 2005. Over the past two decades, Telfar has created streetwear that the owner considers comfortable and "simplex". The brand reached it greatest noteriety in 2020 with their shopping bags, that were seen on celebs, politicians, and pedestrians. The brand follows the phrase "Not For You, For Everyone", not only to discuss their fair pricing efforts, but for all people to see themselves in a garment or two. Even when Mother Beyoncè wore the brand, and there were speculation of prices rising, the brand page posted on social media that the prices will not rise and the brand was for everyone, and not just the wealthy.
See, this is why I believe the line to adaptable clothing by the brand is a short one. The brand prioritizes form and function, while still being sexy and cool. And yes I am calling myself sexy and cool. But this is what I think adaptive clothing is all about. Its about functionality and giving the wearers autonomy and independence in their clothing, along with comfort. This combined with the purpose of clothing in general, as a means of expression and personal identity, sets up Telfar to be the best brand for people with disabilities, interested in streetwear and unisex clothing.
With some detail changes, like finishings added for easier access and removal of garments, or extended straps on bags to diversify opportunities of usage amongst different abilities, the next line of Telfar Access would be a sight to see.
ALL ACCESS NEW YORK
Okay! Now it's time to talk the campaign. As a play on 'Access Hollywood', not specifcally as a show, but as a look into the loves of everyday New Yorkers and their closet of Telfar. Following the launch of the new adaptive collection, the brands calls on models like Aaron Rose Philip to get a "behind the scenes" look at what the fashion girls are wearing.
Aaron is a model and fashion it girl, and the perfect ambassador for the collection. Where the campaign isn't about her disabilities or identity easily shared on a demographics form at the doctor's office, but about her role in fashion. The campaign is about the hot new gear that cool and sexy people are wearing. We look at the hardest part of Aarons day now that she has this collection, picking out what she wants to wear for the day. We all know the struggle of finding something to wear when you have a nice collection of clothing to choose from, and we want to express that with this insider scoop into Aaron's closet.
The campaign would have other models as well, with different physical and mental disabilities and will showcase them in all their glory, but unless the model wants to discuss the specifics, the intention will be focused on their garments and style. This of course isn't to remove the importance of their visibility as models with disabilities, but to not priortize the disability over the person.
I can see the billboard spreads of the models in their Telfar Access collection pieces. The TikTok videos made to feel like TMZ-like paparazzi looking to get what the girls are wearing out and about. I even see Telfar utilizing their TelfarTV initiative to do a "what I wore this week" video with a Telfar Access capsule wardrobe. The campaign expands on media we have seen and breathes new life into it by expanding who we see as stylish and sexy!
Would you shop the Telfar Access Collection? I guess I am asking if you think that you're sexy and cool. You can say it, dont worry. Now I will be working on my pitch for Telfar himself, because I see this as something he can build on to make sure the everyone in "Not For You, For Everyone", truly means everyone. And I imagine I can get some free clothes out of it.
Shop Telfar's new Infinity collection, along with their 50% sale that's still going on now, at telfar.net !!!!!!!
CHECK OUT MY LAST PODCAST EPISODE
Make sure you listen to the last episode of More Than a Pod, availble and Spotify podcasts. I chatte with twin sisters Amira and Ayanna, about the influence of their favorite television shows growing up on their personal style. Shows like Living Single, That's So Raven, and of course Sister, Sister.
THANK YOU FADDOM! Make sure you come back for the next blog post! And remember to prioritize some rest. Even if that means going to see family when you know they will be busy. We will talk soon!
-J
Man Telfar is so intriguing, a brand that I've seen so much shine in and I love how it's very clearly a brand you love so dearly enough to write a blog about. I love the mentioning of your use of displaying the models in a manner where their identity isn't their disablity which I believe is crucial and very inclusive. Great Blog!
"Such a thought-provoking blog! I love how you highlight the importance of conscious consumerism and the need for the fashion industry to move beyond just trends. It's so refreshing to see discussions around sustainability, ethical practices, and diversity being at the forefront of fashion conversations. Your passion for changing the industry for the better is clear, and I hope more people are inspired by your insights. Keep up the amazing work!"
RUNNING to telfar.net!! I love the emphasis on the importance of showcasing the person, and not boiling them down to their disabilities. After reading your article it's obvious that Telfar is one of the only brands approaching this correctly. Great job!
Your blog definitely has me looking into Telfar now!. I have to admit, I obviously knew about Telfar and was very tempted to save up for the Bubblegum Pink launch. I love how you mentioned that when Mother herself Beyoncé was seen wearing a Telfar, the brand themselves came out and stated that their prices will not rise. I love the idea of TelfarTV and using Aaron Rose Philip to be the face of your campaign. Finally, I admire how you chose a brand that doesn’t already have an adaptable line of fashion and decided to make a campaign for them. I don’t think many brands realize how much adaptable fashion can be another stream of business for themselves and…