Toteme Makes a Case for Utilitarian Elegance for Fall 2025
Husband-and-wife Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, cofounders of Toteme, once again successfully came out in favor of a minimalistic, mindful wardrobe with their second Paris runway show.
The choice of a January slot is tied to the Stockholm-based label’s B Corp status. “To reach our sustainability goals, that’s how we have to do it in terms of timing,” Kling said. “If we showed in March, it would be too late for shipping,” Lindman explained.
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Despite the minimalism of their design stance, the collection, with its rich play on luxurious fabrics and eye-catching textural variations, sat well on the first day of couture, attracting guests including Natalia Vodianova and Caroline de Maigret.
In a palette of black, ivory and beige, Toteme displayed round-necked shearling jackets in abundance and full nylon capes that could be layered over or under them, creating cocoon-like silhouettes. These were styled with napa leather pencil skirts and slimline over-the-knee boots in leather or satin. Wide pants were paired with loose, high-necked sweaters or scarf-collared jackets, while slimline shirt dresses in satin or leather were designed to be worn in the traditional way or back to front. Lightweight knits fell low at the back like shirt tails and had what looked like extra sleeves that dangled to the sides and could be tied like a sweater around the hips.
“Our woman has an impeccable wardrobe, but it’s also about how she wears it. I want to bring an ease to her life,” Kling said. “She has other things to think of, and that more impulsive way of dressing, she just throws things on, is something I’m very inspired by.”
For the moment, showing fall collections in Paris and spring in New York, a rhythm the couple initiated a year ago, suits them well. “We are still working in an experimental way,” Lindman said. “That feels very good for the moment.”
Launch Gallery: Toteme Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection
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