Katsura, whose given name was Yumi Yuki, revolutionized the bridal sector during her six decades of working in it. An omnipresence in the bridal industry, the hands-on designer continued to be the face of her namesake company as recently as March, when she presented her most recent collection of 70 wedding gowns in. More than anything, she “got a high from doing a fashion show. She felt that was part of her mission and what she was here to do. It wasn’t like a job for her.
In adherence with her wishes, a memorial show and commemoration event will be held in lieu of a funeral. As a sign of her recognition as a pioneer and established name in the bridal industry, Katsura unveiled the Yumi Katsura Bridal Museum in Kobe in 1988. Despite its self-congratulatory sounding name, the museum showcases an assortment of authentic traditional bridal gowns from all over the globe.offering a 120-style collection that retailed from $2,500 to $15,000. Within three months 32 wedding gowns had been sold, as well as an unspecified amount of eveningwear.