Totem Dana

For Men
Year:

Fragrance Story

Totem by Dana is a Aromatic Fougere fragrance for men. Totem was launched in 2003. The nose behind this fragrance is Benoist Lapouza. Top notes are Bergamot, Sea Notes, Cloves, Melon, Pineapple, Black Currant, Lemon, Nutmeg, Tangerine, Ginger and Orange; middle notes are Lavender, Hawthorn and Jasmine; base notes are Musk, Ebony, Amber, Vetiver, Cedar, Iris and Oakmoss.

Composition Profile

aromatic 100%
woody 85%
marine 70%
fresh spicy 60%
floral 50%
musky 40%
lavender 35%
amber 30%
warm spicy 25%
fruity 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Totem Dana

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches Totem Dana

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Totem Dana, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

The first impression, lasting 15-30 minutes

Bergamot
Sea Notes
Cloves
Melon
Pineapple
Black Currant
Lemon
Nutmeg
Tangerine
Ginger
Orange

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Lavender
Hawthorn
Jasmine

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Musk
Ebony
Amber
Vetiver
Cedar
Iris
Oakmoss
Unique Character

Totem Dana by Dana offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Totem Dana embodies the distinctive style of Dana while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Totem Dana is Ideal For

The Totem Dana Devotee: A Portrait of the Mystic

To wear Totem Dana is to embrace the scent of sacred woods, warm resins, and the faintest whisper of spice—an olfactory invocation of the unseen. This fragrance is not for those who seek mere adornment; it is for the one who walks between worlds, whose soul is drawn to the liminal spaces where light and shadow converge. Their archetype is unmistakable: the Mystic.

The Essence of the Mystic

The Mystic is a seeker, a bridge between the material and the transcendent. They are not content with surface truths; they crave the marrow of existence, the hidden patterns beneath the visible world. Their philosophy is one of depth—they believe in symbols, synchronicities, and the silent language of the universe.

Their tastes reflect this inward journey. They are drawn to textures that feel alive—rough linen, aged leather, hand-carved wood. Their home is a sanctuary of warm candlelight, stacked books with dog-eared pages, and artifacts from distant lands. They prefer music that hums with ancient resonance—Gregorian chants, Sufi poetry, or the deep vibrations of a cello.

In relationships, they are both magnetic and elusive. They crave connection but guard their solitude fiercely. Their love is intense but not possessive; they understand that true intimacy requires space for the soul to breathe. They are drawn to those who can converse in the language of symbols—who see meaning in dreams, who recognize the sacred in the mundane.

The Light: Wisdom and Vision

The Mystic’s greatest strength is their ability to see beyond the veil. They are the quiet observer at the edge of the crowd, the one who perceives what others overlook. Their intuition is razor-sharp, honed by years of listening to the whispers of their own psyche. They are not afraid of darkness, for they know it is only another form of light.

They value authenticity above all else. Pretense disgusts them; they can smell insincerity like a sour note in an otherwise harmonious scent. Their presence is grounding, though not always comforting—they speak truths that others may not be ready to hear.

Their lifestyle is one of deliberate simplicity. They do not chase wealth or status, but neither do they reject them outright. They understand that material things are tools, not ends. They may practice meditation, study esoteric traditions, or keep a journal filled with fragments of dreams and half-formed revelations.

The Shadow: Isolation and Delusion

Yet the Mystic is not without their flaws. Their inward focus can become a prison. They may grow so enamored with their own visions that they lose touch with the tangible world. Their disdain for superficiality can harden into contempt, making them dismissive of those who do not share their depth.

Their greatest danger is the seduction of their own mind. The same intuition that guides them can also lead them astray—into paranoia, superstition, or self-aggrandizing spiritual fantasies. They may mistake obsession for enlightenment, believing their personal symbols to be universal truths.

In relationships, their need for solitude can become a wall. They may withdraw at the very moment they are needed most, retreating into their inner sanctum while others wait outside, unheard. Their love, though profound, can be inconsistent—burning brightly one moment, distant the next.

The Balance: Between Vision and Grounding

The ideal Mystic learns to walk the middle path—to honor their visions without losing themselves in them. They must remember that wisdom is not just in seeing beyond, but in bringing that vision back into the world. When balanced, they become guides—not prophets on mountaintops, but lantern-bearers in the dark.

To wear Totem Dana is to carry the scent of sacred fire. It is a reminder that the Mystic’s journey is not one of escape, but of return—to live deeply, to see clearly, and to walk the earth with both feet firmly planted, even as their soul soars.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.