Joining The Design Collective Store trousseau of exceptional South Asian talents is TG Colombo, a brand that’s redefining fashion and storytelling. Founded by Thanuj Goonewardena in October 2024, TG Colombo has already started creating waves in the fashion industry. With each piece rooted in “artivism”–a fusion of art and activism–TG Colombo creates wearable art that speaks to the soul.
What Is “Artivism”?
Thanuj describes his work as a blend of paint, patchwork, and purpose. Each jacket, vest, or piece of embellishment is more than a fashion statement; it’s a narrative. It’s a protest. It’s hope. “I paint my reality,” proclaims Thanuj. Through recycled and repurposed materials, TG Colombo pieces are built to reflect individuality, equality, and transformation.
Every garment tells a story. Stitched and painted by hand, inspired by Thanuj’s journey and the voices of change-makers like James Balwin, Nelson Mandela, Carmen Maria Machado, and others. Their words resonate in the heart of the designer, who uses them as an inspiration to weave themes of love, freedom, and resilience into the fabric itself.
The Philosophy Behind TG Colombo
At its core, TG Colombo is about transformation. Thanuj sees fashion as a medium to reclaim, rebuild, and repurpose–not only materials but also emotions and experiences. Patchwork jackets and vests, made from upcycled fabrics, carry messages of strength and beauty.
The brand’s ethos is to support equality, recycle and repurpose, as well as paint and stitch a new reality.
Thanuj explains on his Instagram page, “I ran from my fears for too long. Many, many years after, I faced my fears, and finally, I rose.” Through TG Colombo, he invites wearers to rise alongside him–to embrace a world where impossible things become possible, where love outshines brutality, and where art speaks louder than words.
Each TG Colombo creation is a reminder of the power of art to inspire change. Through his work and collections, Thanuj faces the hard truths of the world and transforms them into something beautiful. Each piece is designed to inspire and empower. They’re bold, unapologetic, and full of life–just like the people who wear them.