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Hi, I'm Katsuko 👋
Creative
Passionate
Dedicated
I collaborate with you to create a dress that reflects your unique story. Together, we’ll design a gown that captures your vision and makes your special day unforgettable.
I am a Japanese dressmaker based in North London (Barnet), specializing in bespoke wedding dresses crafted from luxurious silk and delicate lace, along with formal wear and wedding veils.
As a member of the UK Guild of Master Craftsmen, I uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship. I offer free consultations by appointment only, ensuring each bride receives the attention she deserves.
I look forward to helping you create a stunning gown.
Katsuko - Bespoke Designer Pricing & Costs
Pricing for suppliers
Prices Start at
£300
Maximum price
£2,000
Prices start from:
A line wedding dress £800.00
Wedding dress with chiffon or organza £900.00
Wedding dress with beaded lace £1200.00
Bridesmaid dress £300.00
Evening dress £350.00
The above prices are exclusive of materials.
I have over 300 pure silk fabric samples and top quality laces here and you can choose any materials you like. All silk and lace fabrics are bought from special wholesalers. Very good materials at good prices.
Katsuko - Bespoke Designer Details
Products and Services
Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding Dresses
Appointment Only
Bespoke Dressmaker
Pre-Wedding Consultation
Dress Designer
Mother of the Bride Dresses
Veils
Katsuko - Bespoke Designer Full Description
Looking for a bespoke dress that combines traditional craftsmanship with timeless elegance? Katsuko Balfour, a skilled Japanese dressmaker based in North London (Barnet), offers made-to-measure silk and lace wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and other formal wear, including custom wedding veils.
Drawing on a rich heritage of Japanese artistry and Western design, Katsuko creates exquisite, one-of-a-kind garments tailored to each client’s vision and body shape.
As a proud member of the UK Guild of Master Craftsmen, Katsuko brings a high standard of workmanship to every piece, ensuring the finest quality and a perfect fit. Each dress is meticulously crafted using premium materials, with a focus on intricate details and luxurious fabrics that enhance your natural beauty on your special day.
Book a free design consultation to discuss your ideas, explore fabric options, and start the journey to your dream dress. Consultations are by appointment only, providing a personalized experience in a private setting where you can discuss your requirements in detail. Let Katsuko help you bring your vision to life and create a stunning dress that will make your celebration even more memorable.
Personal Message from the Manager
Name of Wedding Contact: Katsuko Balfour
As you begin your journey to find the perfect wedding dress, remember that this is a time to celebrate your unique style and personality. I would be honoured to create a gown that reflects who you are, making you feel confident and radiant on your special day. Together, let's craft a dress that you will cherish forever. Enjoy every moment of this exciting experience!
Experience
Year Business Was Established
2008
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
1
Katsuko - Bespoke Designer Location & Contact Details
FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs
What is your most memorable wedding?
My most memorable wedding was one where the couple chose to incorporate their cultural traditions into the ceremony and the dress. The bride wore a stunning custom gown that blended elements from both of their backgrounds, featuring intricate embroidery and vibrant colours that honoured their heritage. The ceremony was filled with beautiful rituals and heartfelt moments, and the love and joy shared by their families made it truly unforgettable. What stood out to me was how the couple's personalities shone through every detail, creating a unique and meaningful celebration that everyone will remember for years to come.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Elegant, Sophisticated, Delicate, Graceful, Timeless
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the personal touch and craftsmanship that go into every wedding dress we create. Each gown is meticulously tailored to reflect the bride's unique style and personality, using the finest lace and silk materials. It's incredibly rewarding to see the joy on our clients' faces when they see their dream dress come to life, knowing that we've played a part in making their special day truly unforgettable.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
My No.1 wedding planning tip for couples is to stay true to your own style and preferences. It's easy to get caught up in trends or other people's expectations, but remember that your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. Focus on the details that matter most to you, whether it's a unique venue, personalized decorations, or the perfect custom dress. When you prioritize what feels authentic to you, your celebration will be even more meaningful and memorable.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
My favourite personal touch I've seen at a wedding was when a couple incorporated handwritten letters to each guest as part of the table setting. Each letter expressed their gratitude and shared a personal memory or message for that guest. It made everyone feel truly appreciated and connected to the celebration. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings are not just about the couple, but also about the loved ones who have supported them along the way.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
My typical process with a couple begins with an initial consultation where we discuss their vision, preferences, and any specific ideas they have for the wedding dress. I take the time to understand the bride's style and personality, as well as the overall theme of the wedding. Next, I create custom sketches and select high-quality lace and silk materials that match their vision. Once the design is finalized, I move into the fitting process, which usually involves multiple fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly and every detail is just right. Throughout the process, I prioritize open communication and personalized service to make sure the experience is enjoyable and stress-free for the couple.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to bring a bride's dream dress to life and be part of such a special moment in her life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the joy and emotion when a bride first tries on her custom-made gown and realizes it’s exactly what she envisioned. I also love the creative process of working with beautiful materials like lace and silk, and the craftsmanship that goes into making each dress unique. It’s a privilege to contribute to a day that couples will remember forever.
What is your favourite style of wedding dress?
My favorite style of wedding dress is one that blends timeless elegance with a touch of modern romance. I love gowns that feature delicate lace detailing and flowing silk fabrics, as they create a graceful and sophisticated look. A fitted bodice with a soft A-line or mermaid silhouette is especially beautiful because it highlights the bride's figure while still allowing for comfortable movement. I believe the perfect dress is one that not only looks stunning but also reflects the bride's personality and makes her feel confident on her special day.
What is the best way to incorporate "Something Blue" into the wedding outfit?
The best way to incorporate 'Something Blue' into the wedding outfit is through subtle, elegant details that add a personal touch. One lovely option is to sew a small blue ribbon or piece of fabric inside the lining of the dress, perhaps with a meaningful date or initials embroidered on it. Another idea is to choose blue accessories, such as a delicate hairpin, a piece of jewellery with blue gemstones. For a more traditional touch, a blue garter can be worn as a hidden detail. These small additions can make the 'Something Blue' meaningful while still complementing the overall bridal look
What is your favourite wedding dress of all time?
My favorite wedding dress of all time has to be Grace Kelly's iconic gown from her wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. The combination of the intricate lace detailing, the elegant silhouette, and the romantic long sleeves is simply timeless. It perfectly captured the essence of classic bridal beauty and remains an inspiration for so many designers and brides today. What I love most about it is how it not only showcased her stunning beauty but also reflected her grace and sophistication as a person. That dress truly embodies the dream of what a wedding gown can be.
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