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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Patch

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Denim Tale Continued

Denim Tales

Nando Nando: The Dual Indigo Secret Behind Its Unique Aging

A denim crafted with intention, Nando Nando represents a deep commitment to the art of indigo. Unlike conventional denim, where the weft threads remain undyed, the Nando Nando fabric uses indigo-dyed yarns for both warp and weft.

Read More
Denim Sceneries

Belief in Quality: The Ethos of Fox Brothers and 45R

Douglas Cordeaux is the CEO of Fox Brothers & Co Ltd, a mill in the southwest of England that dates back to 1772. As one of the oldest textile mills in the region, Fox Brothers is renowned for its invention of flannel, their absolute heritage cloth.

Read More
Denim Tales

The Art of Natural Ai Indigo-Dyed Belt Loops

At 45R, we cherish the less noticeable aspects of clothing, such as the backs and the insides, infusing thought and care into every detail.

Read More
Denim Tales

The Artistry of Denim: Fabric Innovations

At 45R, we pride ourselves on our uniquely named denim materials, ranging from thick and robust to thin and lightweight, encompassing an array of original designs.

Read More
Denim Records

Denim Journey Journal - Episode 3

Pauline Maklès, who has served as the general manager of our French stores since 2008, is a pivotal figure in 45R Europe. Having managed our locations in Saint-Honoré, Saint-Germain, and Le Marais, Pauline has significantly propelled our store development across Paris.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

Happi Coats: Celebrating Tradition and Brand Spirit

In Japan, the festive garment synonymous with cultural celebrations is the happi coat. Our happi coats were first tailored over a decade ago as the official attire for revelers at the Matsuri (festival) event held at our Tokyo flagship store,

Read More
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