In a Mood

Yumi Katsura Paris Couture Week AW19

Yumi Katsura’s AW19/20 couture collection is a dream manifested into reality. Having dedicated her life to couture fashion, Japanese born Parisian designer opened her first bridal salon in Japan in 1964. She has since expanded to France, the US and the UK. Along the way, she became the first Asian to be a member of the Haute Couture of Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana.

I was not sure what to expect when I arrived at the Yumi Katsura show. It is probably safe to say, if I had to guess what I’d be seeing that night I would have guessed that it would be a show full of exquisite wedding gowns and related attire. All neutral tones and wedding appropriate, demure, ritualistic and elegant. Instead, I was shocked and thrilled to see complex layers of bright purples, pinks and moody black. The collection utilized dye techniques reminiscent of traditional Japanese dye methods. The style is a mix of Eastern and Western aesthetics; Japanese influenced textiles with westernized silhouettes. Dramatic ruffled and layered sleeves and collars appeared with cascading multi-layered dresses and stunning gowns. The intricately designed collection expressed a lifetime of dedication and understanding. I felt very humbled by Yumi Katsura’s collection.