The Mercer Street location is 45rpm’s first shop outside of Japan. Opened in October 2000, we wished to create an environment that showcased traditional Japanese design aesthetic. In order to do so, the Kyoto-based architecture firm Sankakuya Inc. designed and constructed our interior space as if it was an open temple courtyard. From the traditional mud plastered walls, double-layered lacquer counters, Japanese chestnut “trees”, and Shigaraki ceramic tile wall, the space highlights the best in Japanese materials and craftsmanship.

45rpm is well known for developing proprietary fabrics in Japan and specializing in denim and indigo-dyed products.  Our Soho store carries a wide range of 45rpm casual clothing.  Currently, this shop carries all four lines of the 45rpm collection: 45rpm&, R by 45rpm, Badou-R, and Umii 908.  In addition, we offer Henry Cuir leather goods and accessories and carry a selection of 45rpm Kids.

45rpm’s standard Sorahiko denim and the natural plant indigo dyed Jomon denim are available year round.

Our Sorahiko denim is a classic 5-pocket, straight leg jean with details - button fly, hidden rivets. The denim fabric is made with ring spun organic Zimbabwean cotton thread and woven on vintage shuttle looms. Selvage is found on the edge of the denim fabric and is usually red.

As with our Sorahiko denim line, our Jomon denim line is also created with handpicked organic Zimbabwean cotton and woven on vintage shuttle looms. We offer this denim line in natural Japanese plant indigo called Aizome. The Aizome denim thread is dyed 24 times by hand. The shuttle looms have also been slowed down significantly in order to achieve a handmade quality to the fabric. This denim is rich in texture and color and ages beautifully.

We also offer a pattern ordering process with our Jomon line, where customers are able to choose different washes for the Aizome denim: 2-year wash, 5-year wash or 7-year wash to look well-worn for 2, 5, or 7 years. Customers can specify points of distress like whiskers behind the knees, hem, rear, etc. and can choose to add sterling silver hardware.

Please drop by 169 Mercer Street and take a look!

	Here is a look featuring our hand finished denim.		“Akane,” we made this especially for women with a lower rise. Please look for the red lacquered rivet!		Our denim is made with a particular 45rpm philosophy, no compromises.		Our Jomon denim is made using vintage shuttle looms that are slowed down to human speed. The weave comes out perfectly imperfect!

45rpm’s second U.S. location has given us the opportunity to expand our collection in New York, as well as to feature the master craftwork of the design collective, Sankakuya Inc., who transformed two levels of an Upper East Side townhouse into a marvelous fusion of traditional Japanese workmanship and modern interpretations.

The ground level houses the Badou-R collection, which is both inspired by the ideals of indigenous handiwork, and in homage to cultures with deep traditions of hand spinning, weaving, and dyeing. You will find pieces here that cannot be mass-produced, pieces made with fabrics that will be worn and appreciated over time.

On the upper level, we proudly feature 45rpm’s fourth and latest collection, UMII 908. The interior architecture evokes feelings of sea salt and wind-weathered docks, with the line having a nostalgic nautical theme. We have developed exquisite and durable fabrics that are truly timeless. UMII 908 also introduces a line of children’s clothing.

Henry Cuir’s handmade leather goods are also available at this location. Mr. Henri Beguelin, based out of Vigevano, Italy, is known for his whimsical themes, hand tooled artisanal leathers, and use of vintage beads from around the world.

Please come by and say hello!

	An adorable collection of children's clothing.		This summer, we suggest an indigo aloha shirt or perhaps something with a nautical theme.		The Henry Cuir Spring/Summer collection has arrived.		We carry many different bandana prints. This is Bandana TOTORO.

There is a Japanese word - “Mottainai”. A politician introduced this word and it is defined as “reduce”, “reuse” or “recycle”. It is a frequently used word by the Japanese to express the feeling “very wasteful!” The new 45rpm lab project is born of this idea.

Over time we have accumulated a pile of the cut-off hems from altering our customer’s jeans. We could not bring ourselves to throw these cuttings away, “this is our precious, proprietary denim fabric…MOTTAINAI!” So, we made tote bags with the hems of our denim. What was once just leftover fabric is now reincarnated as a useful and cute denim tote bag. This is just one example of a newly re-made item. We also remake other 45rpm products with hand-sewing and different vintage sewing machines that we have at the workshop.

Most of these machines we use are from an old sewing factory in Pennsylvania that ceased operations years ago. This is another form of recycling!

With 45rpm original fabric we can create one-of-a-kind items such as bandanas, scarves and pillowcases. We also offer hand stitching and hand embroidery. Made to order, per customer’s request.

This laboratory is here for you, the customer, to make something special and yours. It would be our pleasure to show you around this space. Please drop by the 17th East 71st shop and ask us about it.

	All merchandise takes a bath before being displayed. They have the scent of the sun.		“God is in the details.”		Great care is taken in every stitch we sew.		Popeye the tailor is waiting for you!