I am a Japanese-born bespoke womenswear designer based in London, specialising in couture wedding dresses, custom bridal gowns, and made-to-measure formal wear. My work is rooted in precision craftsmanship, refined design, and a dedication to creating garments that fit beautifully and feel uniquely personal.

After graduating from the London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London) in 2002, I spent several years working in a high-quality womenswear boutique in central London before establishing my own studio in 2008. Since then, I have been creating handcrafted gowns for brides, evening events, and special occasions, using traditional couture techniques to achieve exceptional fit and elegance.

My passion for craftsmanship began in childhood, inspired by a family tradition of kimono making. One grandmother was a skilled kimono tailor, while the other wove kimono fabric by hand during the winter months. Their artistry influenced me deeply, nurturing my appreciation for quality materials, careful construction, and the beauty of handcrafted garments.

From a young age, I found joy in sewing, arranging threads, and creating small dolls and garments. Making my own wedding dress years later confirmed what I had always felt — that dressmaking is not only a craft, but a meaningful and emotional experience.

Today, I bring that same care and artistry to every bespoke gown. Whether designing a bespoke wedding dress in London, crafting a couture evening gown, or tailoring a one-of-a-kind garment, my goal is to make the process thoughtful, personal, and enjoyable.

For enquiries or consultations, please contact mail-info@katsuko.net.

Warm regards,

Katsuko Balfour

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Let’s start with a friendly online chat. It’s the perfect way to share your vision and ask any questions from the comfort of your home. Following our conversation, I would love to invite you to my studio to experience our beautiful fabrics and exquisite details in person.

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About – Bespoke Couture Crafted in London

 

At the heart of my work lies a simple belief: that a garment made especially for someone has the power to become part of their most meaningful moments. Each piece I create is handcrafted in London using couture techniques, refined fabrics, and an unwavering dedication to beauty, precision, and individuality.

I specialise in bespoke wedding dresses, couture bridal gowns, and custom-made formal wear, designed for women who appreciate craftsmanship and the quiet luxury of a garment created just for them. Every gown begins with a conversation — an opportunity to understand your ideas, your style, and the feeling you wish to express. From this, a design emerges that is uniquely yours.

 

 

A Philosophy Rooted in Craftsmanship

 

Couture dressmaking is a slow and thoughtful art. My approach honours traditional techniques: hand-finishing, meticulous pattern cutting, delicate shaping, and the subtle refinements that allow a garment to move elegantly with the wearer. I work with carefully selected fabrics — silk, lace, mikado, crepe, and other luxurious materials chosen for their quality, structure, and beauty.

Each piece is crafted in my London atelier, where precision and calm attention to detail guide every stage of the process.

 

Made Just for You

 

The bespoke experience is deeply personal. Rather than selecting a dress and altering it to fit, you will be involved in the creation of a garment that reflects who you are.

The journey typically includes:

1. Initial Consultation
   We discuss your ideas, inspirations, silhouettes, and materials.

2. Design & Sketching
   A custom design is developed exclusively for you.

3. Fabric Selection
   Luxurious fabrics chosen for their drape, texture, and elegance.

4. Toile (Test garment) Fitting
   A cotton mock-up of your dress is created to refine shape and structure.

5. Final Creation
   The gown is crafted in the chosen fabric and finished by hand.

6. Final Fitting
   Every detail is perfected before your special day or event.

 

Elegance Through Simplicity

 

My work is guided by a quiet, understated aesthetic — one that values clean lines, graceful proportions, and a natural sense of ease. I believe that true elegance comes from harmony: between the woman, the garment, and the craftsmanship behind it.

Whether your vision is classic, contemporary, or something entirely personal, my role is to bring it to life with care, artistry, and refined technical skill.

 

A Dress to Treasure

 

A bespoke gown is more than clothing; it is a piece of craftsmanship created with intention. It holds the memories of fittings, conversations, and moments along the way. My hope is that your dress brings you joy not only when you wear it, but for many years to come.

If you would like to begin the bespoke process or discuss an idea, I would be delighted to hear from you.