Denim Records
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2
Naoko Eto
Joined 45R in 2013, currently work in Fukuoka Iwataya Store.
Through her interactions with male customers, Naoko Eto has acquired extensive knowledge and developed into a top-tier sales staff with a passion for denim and exceptional customer service skills. She enjoys pairing simple clothing with her favorite silver accessories as her personal style.
This is the first pair of denim I bought after joining 45R. At the time, I mostly wore dresses and struggled with denim sales, but gradually, I began to challenge myself with denim and more masculine styles.
My awareness of 'growing denim' started when I took part in 45R's 'Real Vintage Denim*' project. Initially, I had trouble breaking in my denim, so I consulted my husband. He became enthusiastic, and now we take turns wearing these indigo jeans, working hard to nurture them together.
*An initiative where 45R employees, associates, and artisans wear and break in denim, which is then sold.
New, unfaded denim is stiff and crisp, and since I prefer to wear larger sizes, it looks incredibly big on me at first. So, initially, I washed them after every wear. Once the color started to fade and they became softer, I washed them after three or four wears.
My styling tip is to focus on the length. I choose a size four inches larger than my actual size and roll up the cuffs to expose my ankles. Designer Yasumi-san (45R designer Yasumi Inoue) once said that shorter denim lengths are cute.
I always want to bring excitement and new ideas to my customers. Each year, I aim to present myself anew and offer fresh suggestions. If I don't challenge myself first, my customers won't be convinced.
This year marks the second chapter of our denim journey, and the Denim Festival is about to begin at Fukuoka Iwataya. I hope to see more people wearing denim.
Denim Tale Continued
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
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.
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patch
In the serene stance of prayer or the dignified seiza posture on tatami mats, lies the essence of the leather patch. Crafting a patch that seamlessly blends into the tapestry of Japanese landscapes has been a pivotal challenge we've embraced alongside the inception of our denim's second chapter.
Embroidery Thread
"I love ‘R’ embroidery. "These precious words were given to us by a customer. R embroidery is the emblem of 45R. We call this R embroidery "Sleeping R. " With its relaxed, horizontal form, it embodies richness and freedom.
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.
The Five Shades of Indigo and Finishes
There's a phrase that says, "Sumi ni Gosai Ari," referring to the five shades of sumi ink. In the art of ink wash painting, shades of ink are used to represent different hues, ranging from the deep color of calligraphy ink to the lightest shades that look almost like water.
Union Special
The sound of a sewing machine, "Whirr-whirr, whirr-whirr" echoes from the back of the shop. In 45R's store, denim hems are altered with an old sewing machine painted with "Union Special."
A Passion for Denim: The Story of One Notebook
Whenever a new denim release comes out, it is a must-buy for him. With a collection of over 70 pairs, Mr. Kenta Goto, also known as the original Denim Master at 45R, is a remarkable denim aficionado within our company. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Goto from the Appare division.
Denim Tale Continued
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
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.
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patch
In the serene stance of prayer or the dignified seiza posture on tatami mats, lies the essence of the leather patch. Crafting a patch that seamlessly blends into the tapestry of Japanese landscapes has been a pivotal challenge we've embraced alongside the inception of our denim's second chapter.
