Yumi Katsura
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Yumi Katsura graduated from Kyoritsu Women’s University with a degree from the Department of Apparel Science Studies. Subequently moving to Paris, Katsura studied the techniques of haute couture at Les Ecoles de la Chambre Syndicale de La Couture Parisienne. In 1964, Katsura opened her first bridal salon, as well as presented the first bridal collection show ever held in Japan. Not too long after opening the salon, Yumi Katsura published “The Bridal Book,” the first Japanese publication specializing in bridal fashion. Yumi has been the recipient of various awards throughout the years. She has also had the honor of participating in some of the most prestigious opportunities in the fashion world. Such opportunities include, the first bridal show in China and designing a vestment for Pope John Paul II.
Katsura, is one of Japan’s and the world’s most prolific designers, whose wedding dresses are considered modern masterpieces. Katsura showcased the most expensive wedding dress to date, valued at one billion Japanese yen (US $8.5 million). Made from silk-satin and embellished with zari-embroidery handiwork, the dress is decorated with 1,000 pearls, a green 8.8 carat diamond emblem, and a 5 carat white gold diamond, one of the two existing in the world.
