In a world where fashion trends come and go, it can be tiresome to see the same repetitive patterns, colors, and designs. If you’re looking for something that goes beyond fleeting fashion fads, Totem Facts, a Kochi-based design studio, offers a refreshing alternative. The brand, founded by young entrepreneurs Midhun Madhav, Manoj Murali, and Dhanesh Balakrishnan, aims to create apparel that transcends time by incorporating rich themes rooted in history, culture, and heritage.
Totem Facts sets itself apart by blending cultural symbols and spiritual icons from around the globe into its T-shirt designs. From figures like Nangeli, a symbol of women’s empowerment in Kerala, to iconic music legends like Pink Floyd, each design carries a deeper meaning beyond just fashion. “We wanted to create more than just clothing,” says Dhanesh, the co-founder and business head. “By making art the priority, our designs evolve from sketches to digital art, and the story of this process is shared with our customers through videos on social media.”
The studio’s designs go through an intricate process, starting with digital development before being printed on fabrics sourced primarily from Jaipur. The emphasis is not only on artistic expression but also on keeping alive the cultural heritage that has shaped human civilization. Whether drawing inspiration from nature, music, or historical events, the brand reinterprets these elements through a modern lens, offering timeless apparel.
Collaborating with renowned artists and bands, Totem Facts has made waves in the creative scene. Their partnership with Thaikudam Bridge for the song “Neeli” and their recent collaboration with Muhsin Parari’s “The Writing Company” for “Panthalchant” has further solidified their unique place in the market. As Dhanesh notes, “These creations are not just fashion; they are a blend of history, art, and modernity, available for everyone to experience through our website.”
Totem Facts continues to innovate by staying true to its mission of keeping cultural symbols relevant, ensuring that each piece of clothing is not just a fashion statement, but a tribute to heritage.
