A New Boutique Arrives on New York Crosby Street
New York, a city of endless vibrance. Over twenty years have passed since we first opened our store on Mercer Street in Soho, and now, we have established a new boutique in this vibrant city. Located just a five-minute walk from Mercer Street, Crosby Street preserves the nostalgic essence of classic American streets amidst the bustling collection of global trends and brands that define New York. We have named the store "Ai Shokunin Iroiro 45," a place that celebrates the craftsmanship of indigo artisans from across Japan, offering a collection deeply rooted in Japanese heritage. The store officially opened on October 24, 2024.
If our clothing is founded on tradition, we believe the store itself should embody that spirit as well. While construction is typically driven by the people and materials native to the location, for this project, we made an unprecedented effort. Not only did we source wood, stone, and earth from Japan, but we also invited skilled artisans, bearers of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, to New York. Together, we built a space that embodies the spirit of MADE IN JAPAN.
If our clothing is founded on tradition, we believe the store itself should embody that spirit as well. While construction is typically driven by the people and materials native to the location, for this project, we made an unprecedented effort. Not only did we source wood, stone, and earth from Japan, but we also invited skilled artisans, bearers of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, to New York. Together, we built a space that embodies the spirit of MADE IN JAPAN.


At the back of the store, we have created a tokonoma alcove (a decorative recessed space in a traditional Japanese room) inspired by Tai-an, a National Treasure tea room in Japan. The walls are made of mud mixed with straw, creating an understated, rustic texture, and antique wood has been placed as the tokobashira (alcone pillar). In the ryuurei-style tea room, guests can sit on a stool carved from a single piece of camphor wood and enjoy tea at the end of their shopping experience.
What runs consistently through the design of the Crosby Street store is the essence of Japanese architecture: sustainability. By using authentic materials, wood and stone can be disassembled and reused, preserving their integrity for 100 or even 200 years, all the while becoming more beautiful with age. The same philosophy applies to our clothing. In the basement of the store, we have established the "Manzoku Kobo" atelier. Even if garments are no longer worn, with good materials they can be altered in size or shape and loved once again. Using genuine raw materials is not only kind to people and the planet but also, in the long run, kind to one’s wallet...
What runs consistently through the design of the Crosby Street store is the essence of Japanese architecture: sustainability. By using authentic materials, wood and stone can be disassembled and reused, preserving their integrity for 100 or even 200 years, all the while becoming more beautiful with age. The same philosophy applies to our clothing. In the basement of the store, we have established the "Manzoku Kobo" atelier. Even if garments are no longer worn, with good materials they can be altered in size or shape and loved once again. Using genuine raw materials is not only kind to people and the planet but also, in the long run, kind to one’s wallet...

Through this store, we hope people from all over the world can feel our craftsmanship ethos. We hope to have the pleasure of serving you for years to come.
【 Ai Shokunin Iroiro 45 - New York Crosby 】
89 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: +1 (646) 455-0182
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
@45R_usa
89 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: +1 (646) 455-0182
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
【 Design 】
New Material Research Laboratory
Established in 2008 by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida, "New Material Research Laboratory" is dedicated to researching traditional materials and techniques, striving to create entirely new forms of architecture by incorporating these elements.
Associate Architect: YUN Architecture
Construction: conceptcsi
Japanese carpentry work: ISHIMARU CO., LTD.
Plaster work: Kusumisakan Co., Ltd
New Material Research Laboratory
Established in 2008 by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida, "New Material Research Laboratory" is dedicated to researching traditional materials and techniques, striving to create entirely new forms of architecture by incorporating these elements.
Associate Architect: YUN Architecture
Construction: conceptcsi
Japanese carpentry work: ISHIMARU CO., LTD.
Plaster work: Kusumisakan Co., Ltd
【 Material Provision 】
SANKAKUYA
With an office in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and a workshop in Kutsuki, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, SANKAKUYA is a collective dedicated to creating Japanese architecture. They procure large volumes of timber as raw logs and, through the skills of their artisans, bring out the true potential of these materials in building construction.
SANKAKUYA
With an office in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and a workshop in Kutsuki, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, SANKAKUYA is a collective dedicated to creating Japanese architecture. They procure large volumes of timber as raw logs and, through the skills of their artisans, bring out the true potential of these materials in building construction.