Born in Makassar and raised by his seamstress single mother, Toton Januar developed a fascination with the artisanal aspect of design at a young age. He relocated to Jakarta, obtaining a degree in Media Broadcasting while working as a designer for one of Indonesia’s most prominent fashion designers. The job, along with his modeling career gave insight into the creative industry in general, Indonesia’s in particular.
He further sought to broaden his design vocabulary by taking a course on Fashion Study at Parsons New School of Design in New York. TOTON was founded in 2012 with Haryo Balitar,
out of their mutual interest in exploring Indonesia’s through fashion. TOTON exists to provide an answer to the modern women’s need of individual style - sleek white shirts, tunics, pleated skirts, and so on. He specializes in developing the design talent he owns by using local fabrics as main materials in his designs constructions, often embelished with decorative ornaments.
TOTON is a retelling of Indonesia’s inherent stories through fresh eyes and a new vision. It is a contemporary womenswear brand that explores
 the nation’s natural beauty and diverse culture with modern reinterpretations, celebrating heritage while deconstructing traditions 
for a new approach in women’s ready-to-wear fashion.
Based in Jakarta, TOTON offers a unique take by projecting new ideas on women’s ready-to-wear. Techniques that are traditionally used for folk and ceremonial costumes are rethought and reworked. Classics are infused with reinterpretations of ethnic cloths and garments. Juxtaposing those elements with menswear-inspired cuts and silhouettes. The brand aspires to highlight on exotic twists of artistry and wearability.
