The Dress

Yumi Katsura, is one of Japan’s and the world’s most prolific designers, whose wedding dresses are considered modern masterpieces. Katsura recently showcased the most expensive wedding dress to date, valued at one billion Japanese yen (US $8.5 million). Currently the Yumi Katsura Couture brand is available at fine retail salons across the globe, with flagship salons in Tokyo, Shanghai and Paris. Yumi recently has even contributed her design to a wedding dress in the video game Animal Crossing. Many celebrities from all over the world have adorned her couture bridal gowns. A Katsura gown is truly a piece of art and I am only letting it go because it is a shame for someone else not experience wearing this amazing gown!

Although vintage (1997) I have taken extreme care of this truly special 100% Japanese silk gown hoping to pass it on to my daughter ... but I have 4 boys! It has been stored in a separate cavas hanging dress cover (allowed to breathe) and is still in excellent condition. The only noticeable change is a slightly more ivory color, as this happens naturally to 100% Japanese silk with time. Not only does this gown look amazing on, but the silk is cool, so comfortable and feels amazing on. Also, with this kind of silk wrinkles fall right out with a slight steaming. The intricate hand-sewn pearls and intricacies of the dress are beautiful and timeless.

I have only found one slight stain noticeable to the eye, which is under one arm area (deodorant stain maybe? that has colored a little over time?)(see photo). The hem at bottom has come loose I noticed so will need a touch up or shortening unless you are 5'9" or 5'10"ish.

Also, the tag says a size 14 but is truly a size 10, as I wanted the dress so badly that I bought the size 14 (no size 10-12's were available) and had it altered to fit me. It is lined, bustled with inside ties.

The dress comes with matching arm length sheer fingerless gloves, a matching hairpiece and a short veil matching headpiece. I also have the original tags, business card from her shop in NYC and a magazine ad I saved of the dress. The dress was fully cleaned by a special dry cleaner in Miami who knew the process for Japanese silk. I am happy to share additional photos and video as well. This is truly a unique dress that will be like no other. It was limited and hard to find even when I purchased it for over $5,000.

The photos are my actual photos taken at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach in 1997, so they are not as clear as ones we take today, keep in mind. I am the original and only owner. (Faces blurred for privacy.)

Alterations

The size 14 dress was altered to fit my size (10). Bustling was also added inside with individual ties. This was all done at the Yumi Katsura store in NYC.