TOTEME
Based in Stockholm, the brand explores the appeal of a modern uniform through distinct design cues, meticulous craftsmanship, and methodic repetition.
(The Business of Fashion, 2022)
Elin Kling and Karl Lindman launched TOMEME in 2014, they may represent minimal aesthetics, but thay never stop refining and adjusting to transcend seasonal trends. Referring to brand vision, the style is perfect for Gen Z, who value unique and high-quality clothing in the workplace or while going to school. In contrast to brands that focus on luxury pattern design, they value creating an idea of Uniform. Personally, the mix of simplicity and an incredible feeling of design quality appealed to me. Moreover, I love the triangle cashmere and pullover knit with extra-long ends and a fluid scarf, as it is unique, and I rarely see it from other brands.
Surprisingly, they are open about their supply chain to their customers! On their official website, I found that TOMEME is committed to long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship. 57% of the items are in Europe, with the remainder in China, and the brand’s trusted partners handle 70% of the manufacture. Furthermore, TOTEME works actively to increase transparency throughout the supply chain. The aim is to reach full traceability for every piece – from raw materials to finished products – in 2025 (Sustainability, 2022).
Besides that, TOTEME is one of the members of STICA. By utilizing the strength and influence of the apparel and textiles sector, the group exponentially accelerates progress toward science-based sustainability targets and Global Sustainability Goals (SDGs).
Meanwhile, The Swedish Chemical Group (a collaboration with the Swedish Research Institute, Rise) provides TOTEME with expertise on the most recent chemical regulations and updates on future dangerous materials (Sustainability, 2022), which ensures TOTEME keeps updated with the latest news and research to improve brand sustainability.
In conclusion, although TOTEME isn’t famous as other big fashion brands, its ambition is to bring positivity and contribute to the planet. They relate to the course Better Lives and the three themes: sustainability, social responsibility, and diversity. TOMEME always performs a role model for me, by actively joining associations to receive environmental resources and support, ensuring a fair workplace for workers, and positively involving production in different countries to encourage the economic. Therefore, This brand deserves to be known.
The Business of Fashion. 2022. The Business of Fashion. [online] Available at: <https://www.businessoffashion.com/organisations/toteme> [Accessed 5 October 2022].
TTOTEME. 2022. Totême official online store – ready-to-wear clothing & accessories. [online] Available at: <https://int.toteme-studio.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1vSZBhDuARIsAKZlijQc_wR5AfhtVStrwXnKn6Ck8LBJfwfgSmMANpJnY2ioiSbQ6QyOi-YaAqV6EALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1vSZBhDuARIsAKZlijQc_wR5AfhtVStrwXnKn6Ck8LBJfwfgSmMANpJnY2ioiSbQ6QyOi-YaAqV6EALw_wcB> [Accessed 5 October 2022].
TOTEME. 2022. Sustainability. [online] Available at: <https://int.toteme-studio.com/pages/sustainability?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1vSZBhDuARIsAKZlijQ8cNriDhf0v2NvG_prZo_NK4IlIDJBCShnsoicNk_ariQ4tiatCWAaAlFuEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1vSZBhDuARIsAKZlijQ8cNriDhf0v2NvG_prZo_NK4IlIDJBCShnsoicNk_ariQ4tiatCWAaAlFuEALw_wcB> [Accessed 5 October 2022].
Gaut, A. and Florsheim, L., 2022. Toteme co-founders Karl Lindman and Elin Kling at the brand’s new Manhattan store. Lindman sits in a chair by Swedish designer Mats Theselius, and the artwork on the wall is by German artist Conny Maier.. [image] Available at: <https://www.wsj.com/articles/toteme-store-new-york-soho-11658848273> [Accessed 5 October 2022].