[Testimonials]

 

I found Katsuko online after not finding any dresses in the the two piece style I wanted for my wedding. I had a crude drawing and a vintage piece of lace from a relatives dress I wanted to incorporate, and Katsuko managed to perfectly put my dream together. From the first sketch to the mock up to the finished dress, she was professional and helpful. She is obviously great at what she does, my dress was everything I was hoping it would be. I would definitely recommend her – if you can’t find the dress you want GET ONE MADE!!

A Special Encounter

 

When Alana first visited my atelier in London, she carried with her a calm yet determined spirit. She wanted a gown that felt entirely her own, something that spoke of elegance while remaining true to her personality. I listened closely to her wishes and promised to create a dress that would embody her vision.

 

Exploring Fabrics Together

 

Our journey began with the fabric selection. In my atelier I keep an extensive range of samples: silk satin, linen blends, organza, taffeta, each with its own character. I laid them out for her, and together we examined their textures, their weight, and how each one caught the light.

I explained the qualities of every fabric. Silk satin is lustrous and bold, organza is airy but fragile, taffeta holds shape with drama yet lacks fluidity. Alana took her time, running her hands across the cloths, comparing and reflecting. Finally, her eyes lit up when she touched the organic cotton satin. She smiled, and I knew instantly she had found the right fabric.

The Choice of Organic Cotton Satin

 

Alana chose organic cotton satin for its gentle softness and quiet luminosity. Woven from cotton grown without harmful chemicals, it offers both sustainability and luxury. The fabric breathes with ease, caresses the skin, and reflects the light with a natural glow rather than a sharp glare.

Her decision felt perfectly aligned with her character. I saw immediately how the fabric would allow me to create a gown that was graceful yet unpretentious, full of movement yet structured enough to hold a beautiful silhouette.

The Vintage Lace Alana Brought

 

Alongside her choice of fabric, Alana arrived with something deeply personal: a piece of vintage lace. It held history within its delicate motifs, a textile treasured and preserved through time. When she showed it to me, I understood at once that this lace would give the gown its unique voice.

My task was to let her lace and her chosen satin speak together. I studied how the patterns would sit against the satin’s smooth surface, then stitched each detail carefully by hand. In doing so, I allowed her lace to tell its story while becoming part of a new chapter.

A Double-Layered Bodice

 

I created a bodice with two layers. The first layer formed a boxy shape with a high waistline, adding a modern and architectural quality. Beneath this, I placed the second layer and integrated the lace Alana had brought. The combination softened the structure, giving depth and romance.

This harmony was not accidental. It was born of her choices and my craft, a dialogue between fabric and lace, past and present, bride and maker.

The Full Circular Skirt

 

For the skirt, I used the ivory organic cotton satin generously, cutting it into a full circle. This design gave her freedom of movement and created waves of fabric that flowed as she walked. The satin caught the light in subtle ripples, echoing the natural rhythm of the day.

I paid particular attention to the hem, hand-finishing it to ensure a flawless line. The skirt moved with elegance, capturing air and light, so that in photographs it seemed alive, almost in conversation with the wind.

A Dress in Harmony with the Landscape

 

On her wedding day, when Alana stood upon the hillside, I felt a profound sense of fulfilment. Surrounded by mist and rolling fields, the ivory gown did not compete with the setting but became part of it. The organic cotton satin reflected the soft light of the sky, while the lace added quiet intimacy.

By keeping the design refined and allowing the chosen materials to shine, I created a dress that enhanced both Alana and the natural landscape. Fabric, bride, and environment came together in perfect harmony.

My Role as a Maker

 

As a wedding dressmaker in London, I take pride in crafting each gown entirely by hand. From the first sketch to the final stitch, I made every part of this dress myself. My responsibility was to respect Alana’s decisions, her choice of satin, and the vintage lace she entrusted to me, and to unite them in a gown worthy of her.

Each moment of the process required focus and care. I cut, sewed, and refined the shape, always mindful that this dress would become part of her memories for a lifetime.

My Philosophy

 

I honour the fabric, refine the craft, and listen to the bride. I present her with options, guide her with knowledge, and then bring her decisions to life with precision and artistry.

Alana chose organic cotton satin and brought her own lace. My role was to weave her selections into one coherent whole. Together, her choices and my hands created a gown that was truly hers: a dress that captured her spirit, her values, and the beauty of her wedding day. For me, that is the essence of a bespoke wedding dress.

 

If you have any enquiries, please feel free to get in touch via Contact form.

 

For a general idea of my pricing, please visit my Price Guide page.