Our Ai Shokunin (Master) Collection is made with a highly skilled and unique dyeing practice, using Japanese indigo derived straight from the plant itself. This collection is also comprised of all original fabrics made from scratch by 45R. Each piece is handcrafted by the artisan, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the artisan’s individual style and aesthetic. Join us as we further explore the fabrics and techniques that make this collection one to truly cherish.
Batiste Patchwork Kamue
Batiste Patchwork…
Both the Kamue and Dress feature the same fabric and pattern. The fabric was dyed in three different prefecture regions of Japan: Ashikaga, Jomo and Awa. We call it Batiste, which is an original fabric by 45R, which we created using organic Supima cotton. As a result, Batiste fabric has a dense and smooth feel with just the right weight.The intricate patchwork references traditional japanese wooden mosaic work which we call “Yosegi-zaiku”. Paired with a discharged print on the inner lining, which gives a unique contrast to the top fabric.We combined various shades of indigo to create a pattern that deeply shows the passion and detail oriented nature that radiates within Japanese craftsmanship.
Ai Master Batiste Ai Tiered Dye Dress
The Batiste Ai Tiered Dye series begins it’s story in Mashiko. A town in Tochigi Prefecture located Northeast of Tokyo. Here lives one of the region’s oldest dying houses which has stood for more than 200 years. Led by Ai Master Higeta-San. The gradation dying technique worked on for this series brings a certain freshness and purity.
Ai Master Crochet Bolero
The Ai Master Crochet Bolero was dyed in Ome, in the outskirts of Tokyo. Ome is home to Murata-San, an Indigo Master who has been working with us for over 15 years. This intricate crochet piece is hand-made, using differently dyed Indigo yarns, creating an exquisite texture. It is a beautiful contrast to the pieces Indigo Masters would have had to work on decades and centuries ago, as it was their job to dye Japanese peasant clothing, which would fade and wear out over the years of working in the fields. At 45R, we cherish the way each piece tells a story, and through our Ai Shokunin collection we combine this humble, yet complex technique with fabrics and shapes that give it a new life.
~ 45R hand-loomed Khadi fabric, hand-printed and hand-dyed by Ai Master Mr. Watanabe ~
Experience the ultimate artistry of indigo dyeing with these unique pieces, exclusively at our 45R Uptown store.
Arigato.
45R