The renowned designer Yumi Katsura marks her brand’s 60th anniversary with a spectacular exhibition showcasing 50 pieces of haute couture at Omotesando Hills in Tokyo.
Yumi Katsura, a venerable name in haute couture, has launched a special event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the brand. The “60TH Anniversary YUMI KATSURA SPECIAL EXHIBITION Brilliant Future – Towards the Next Chapter -” commenced on February 17 and will continue until February 24, 2024, at Omotesando Hills in Tokyo, Japan.
The event kicked off with a press conference featuring Takayuki Kurano, President of Yumi Katsura International, alongside four members of the Yumi Katsura Creative Team, including Ayako Fujiwara, Yukitoku Morinaga, and Keiko Iino. During this conference, the team shared insights regarding the significance of the event and the exhibits on display.
The special exhibition showcases approximately 50 pieces of haute couture work, spanning both past and present creations, including wedding dresses specifically made for the event. This exhibition is aimed at highlighting the Yumi Katsura Creative Team’s dedication to advancing the legacy of brand founder Yumi Katsura, while also evolving the brand’s aesthetic for the future.
Attendees can explore two distinct venues within Omotesando Hills. The first venue, located in the atrium grand staircase, showcases costumes inspired by “Hare no Hi,” which means “a day of celebration.” Within this space, the exhibition presents various sections, including a main corner dedicated to wedding dresses, an anniversary corner for celebrating wedding anniversaries, a corner for party dresses, and a new line dubbed “F (ykF)” that emphasizes everyday elegance.
The second venue, designated as Space O, displays six couture dresses that reflect the diverse styles seen over several decades, from the 1960s to the present day. Among the notable pieces are archival items such as “Rose Yumi,” characterized by intricate rose designs, the emblematic “Yumi Line,” influenced by traditional long-sleeved kimono designs, and a collaborative gown with Mikimoto, recognized by the Guinness World Records for featuring the highest number of pearls.
At the center of Space O, a circular stage features specially designed items for the exhibition, including a long train wedding dress and five white party styles. This main wedding dress embodies the evolution of the Yumi Katsura brand and features a modular design that transforms through the addition or rearrangement of its elements. A unique video presentation in the venue allows visitors to witness this design evolution.
Furthermore, a video summarizing the brand’s 60-year history, along with the latest collection, can be found in Space O. Visitors can also view a slideshow that includes wedding photos of approximately 800,000 brides who have donned Yumi Katsura designs for their ceremonies or photographs. A dedicated shop is available for those interested in purchasing Yumi Katsura collections and exclusive items from the exhibition.
During the press conference, accessory designer Ayako Fujiwara commented on the significance of the exhibition, stating, “This exhibition was decided upon to indicate that Yumi Katsura aims to grow as a brand that brings emotion and confidence not only in weddings but also in life’s ‘Hare no Hi.’ This is a rare opportunity to see the works up close, so I hope many will enjoy experiencing the history and newness of Yumi Katsura.”
Keiko Iino also noted the intention behind the special video, saying, “We aimed to clearly illustrate the brand’s future direction. We condensed all the techniques cultivated over 60 years, stripped them down, and reformed them to show our continuing evolution as a brand alongside the actual pieces displayed.” Yukitoku Morinaga added that some of the exhibited dresses were crafted using lace selected by Katsura herself during her lifetime, connecting the current creative team to the founder’s legacy.
In conclusion, President Kurano addressed the challenges faced by the bridal industry in recent years, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic changes. He stated, “what we can confidently say is the strength of the power that wedding dresses and bridal holds to shape people’s love, happiness, and feelings. We hope that the brand continues for another 50 or 100 years, maintaining the pride and spirit that our founder has nurtured while continuing to evolve.”
Additionally, as part of the anniversary celebrations, a secret auction featuring couture dresses is being conducted during the exhibition. Interested parties can apply through the official LINE account, and a portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Yumi Katsura Memorial Foundation, aimed at supporting the next generation of designers.
Source: Noah Wire Services
