Denim Records

Denim Journey Journal - Episode 1

Hiroaki Maekawa
Katachi Laboratory Department, Joined in 1998.
Deeply connected to denim factories, with unparalleled love and knowledge for denim within the company.

Denim is something I wash quite often; I dislike it when it turns brown.
For the first three months after purchase, I wear it without washing to develop whiskers, but after that, I wash it after every wear.I choose a sunny day, use the right amount of detergent, wash it alone in the washing machine, and then absolutely hang it out in the sun.
Don't you feel it comes out fresher when dried in the sun?

Dekoboko Sorahiko Gunzyo / Around 2012
The patches at that time were made of goat leather, which had a rugged charm compared to the current horsehide.

I make sure not to put anything in the pockets and avoid getting any knee fades.
Once the whiskers are set, I wash with the outer side facing to allow the color to fade until it reaches my preferred shade. After achieving the desired color, I wash it inside out to minimize further fading.
I particularly enjoy the gradient of color fades on the coin pocket and the back of the belt.

The hem features a deliberate single stitch, reflecting a bit of rebelliousness from my younger days.

Back then, I wanted slim denim, but this pair was a bit too wide, so I remade it into a slimmer fit by sewing it myself. You can see that the stitches in the altered areas are slightly different in color.

Once I decide on nurturing a pair of denim, I almost exclusively wear that pair.
I choose tops and shoes to match the denim. While the denim is still fresh, I often pair it with casual items like worn-out sweaters, but as it fades, I balance it out with clean items like leather shoes and shirts.

By the way, I'm currently nurturing a pair of slim Crosby5, so I often pair them with suede desert boots. Don't I look like Steve McQueen?

Denim Tale Continued

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Read More
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Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.

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To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.

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Patch

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Denim Tale Continued

Denim Matsuri

Appare Crafted Denim

Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly

Read More
Denim Tales

White Denim

Just as pristine as a white coat or as transparent as a Khadi blouse, the image of white varies with its shades and intensity. Our White Denim embodies a warm, rustic white that pairs well with both summer and winter outfits, offering versatile off-white hues.

Read More
Denim Tales

Denim Masterful Repairs

Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

Kawaraban Print

The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.

Read More
Denim Records

Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2

The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.

Read More
Denim Tales

The Power Loom Stamp

The gravity loom is indispensable in the creation of 45R's Japanese artisan denim. With only a few of these antique looms still operational in Japan, they have garnered worldwide attention for their rarity and historical significance.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

The Three Treasures of Denim Matsuri

Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.

Read More
Denim Tales

Denim Styles

To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.

Read More