Bored of outfits exploring just shades, designs? Try Totem Facts thematic apparel

The fashion world is perpetually abuzz with novel designs and shades that exude artistic grace and flamboyance. However, new designs become outdated within no time. A touch of theme and the designs transcend time. It won't be just about fashion and style anymore. That is exactly what Totem Facts, a design studio, conceptualised and established by a couple of youngsters in Kochi aims at.

The designs are inspired by themes rooted in culture and heritage, ingrained in the history of regions all over the world. As the name suggests, icons, emblems or symbols, which have some spiritual relevance to a particular sect or society, are highlighted as leitmotifs on Totem Facts T-shirts. They invoke artistically curated eclectic traditions ranging from Nangeli (an epochal figure representing woman power in Kerala) to Pink Floyd.

"The idea to become an art apparel brand happened so quickly with our team. We started selling our first tees in January 2022 through our website,” says Dhanesh.

According to Dhanesh Balakrishnan, co-founder and business head of the brand, everything that is art-based is given priority while inventing new designs and not any one particular concept is given focus.  “Design ideas are developed by every artist, transforming concepts from their sketchbooks into digital form. The process and story behind these creations are communicated through videos published on our social media platforms,” he says, “These videos do not merely tell a story; they showcase the journey of the designs, highlighting the artistic evolution from initial sketches to final products."

The intricate patterns also include designs spurred by things so dear to us like music and elements of nature, and they are all re-invented through a modern perspective. Totemfacts has had several major collaborations, including one with Thaikudam Bridge. For their song 'Neeli,' the Totem Facts team created an artwork that was printed and sold to them. “Recently, we partnered with 'The Writing Company' by MuRi (Muhsin Parari), developing designs for their song 'Panthalchant,' which is now streaming on YouTube and other platforms. These creations are available on our website: www.totemfacts.com," says Dhanesh.

What is central through all designs, which the brand has made so far, is the motive of keeping anew the culture and human heritage that had once left an indelible mark on human civilization.