Collection Autumn Winter 2025

As a frequent visitor to Kyoto of late, I have developed a new appreciation for the city’s hidden depths. Tokyo, where I usually reside, is an economic city; for better or worse, old constantly gives way to new as fortunes rise and fall. Kyoto is different. Its ability to deftly balance what must be preserved and what should continue to change is visible even in its cuisine. In terms of people, too, the handover from one generation to the next seems to be proceeding at a smooth, manageable pace. I noticed this as I was pondering the meaning of sustainability in the context of apparel, and it gave me much to think about.

45R has long recognized the importance of mending. When our garments begin to fray after long years of use or simply do not fit their owner any more, we accept them back, mend them, and restore them to life. King Charles III of the United Kingdom takes a similar approach to his personal style. From suit to hoes, he wears the same quality pieces for decades, mending them as necessary. I always thought that was cool.

In Japan, we have noragi work clothes, with their faded, patched, darned beauty. The late Kazumi Sakata of Sakata Antiques was a strong spokesman for this kind of beauty, and practiced what he preached. It is possible for garments to become so ragged and worn that they make you wince, of course, but Sakata had an eye for well worn clothing that radiated a subtle dignity.

Recognizing these currents in society, we plan to go even further in our efforts to raise the perceived value of mending. Patches sewn as if creating a collage, darning combined with artisanal embroidery, redyeing to bring new depth to colors . . . We see this approach to mending not as a backward-looking way to cut losses but as a creative and progressive act that can bring happiness to both garments and people, and we hope to bring these values to a wider audience going forward.