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Weddings

About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2022

Last update: December 2025

KATSUKO - Bespoke Designer is a luxury bridal atelier based in High Barnet, North London (EN5 2EA), offering exquisite made-to-measure wedding dresses crafted from the finest silks and delicate lace. Founded by Japanese designer Katsuko Balfour—a proud member of the UK Guild of Master Craftsmen—this boutique studio is dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind bridal looks that celebrate individuality, elegance, and authenticity.

With a deep understanding of each bride’s unique style, Katsuko combines refined craftsmanship with thoughtful design to produce gowns that are both timeless and unforgettable. Whether you're envisioning a classic silhouette, something modern and minimal, or a touch of traditional Japanese artistry, the possibilities are endless—and always accessible, no matter your shape, size, or budget.

Services Offered


KATSUKO - Bespoke Designer specialises in a range of custom bridal attire, including wedding gowns, veils, and bridesmaid dresses. All creations begin with a complimentary design consultation by appointment, where Katsuko listens carefully to your wishes and guides you through every detail of the process—from sketch to final stitch. Each garment is designed and handcrafted with an emphasis on harmony, grace, and individuality, ensuring that your wedding day look is truly yours, in every sense.

  • Asian-owned
  • Woman-owned

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Design and manufacture of bridal dresses
Design and manufacture of bridal accessories
Design and manufacture of outfits for bridesmaids, maid of honor...
Other (I specialize in made to measure wedding dresses and also create bridesmaid dresses, formal outfits for the mother of the bride and groom, evening dresses, wedding veils, and wedding ring pillows)

What services do you offer?

Design and manufacture of evening dresses
Design and manufacture of dresses for mother of the bride
Design and manufacture of wedding dresses
Design and manufacture of wedding accessories

How far in advance should I contact you?

A wedding dress normally takes 12 to 16 weeks and you should contact me 5 to 6 months before the wedding day because after you have the dress you can find the right accessories

Do you have an outlet section?

No

Do you have an outlet section?

No

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes

What is the style of your designs?

Modern
Original
Princess

What kind of accessories do you offer?

Veils
Shawls
Other (I can create a wedding ring pillow using the same fabric as the wedding dress)

How do you work?

After discussing the design, I take measurements and do an initial fitting using a toile for mock-up. Then, I proceed with making the wedding dress, followed by 2-3 fittings to ensure a perfect fit

Operating hours:

A wedding dress normally takes 12 to 16 weeks

What are the forms of payment?

I only accept payments by cash, cheque or bank transfer
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Do you have any questions?

Reviews for KATSUKO - Bespoke designer

M
Mimi Sent on 11/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Dress for my beach wedding

It was absolutely perfect for my beach wedding — light, elegant, and easy to wear.
I was on a tight schedule, and most bridal shops turned me down — but she kindly took on the challenge without hesitation.
She created a stunning custom dress in such a short time, exactly as I had imagined.
The quality was amazing, the price was fair, and the whole process was smooth.
I’m so grateful and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a heartfelt, custom-made dress.
Mina
Mina Sent on 11/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The Joy of Wearing a Dress Made Just for Me

I first had the privilege of meeting Katsuko during my time studying abroad in London, where she created my graduation dress. Our connection continued over the years, and it was the greatest honor to entrust her with designing my wedding gown. She listened with such care and dedication, capturing every detail of my vision, and brought to life a creation that embodied all that I love. Throughout the entire process, she responded to every request with patience and creativity, offering countless ideas to ensure that everything was truly perfect. To walk into my wedding day adorned in a one-of-a-kind gown, crafted exclusively for me, was a profound joy and a treasured memory I will carry forever.

A
Anita Sent on 15/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect wedding dress & mother of the bride dress for petite ladies

Katsuko was amazing and we got the perfect dresses we wanted with expert and personal service. We are both under 5' so no store was able to cater for us. We explained what I wanted for my dress and for my mum's dress and Katsuko immediately drew the perfect gowns for us and showed us the best quality fabrics I had ever seen or touched in my life. After just a few fittings, the dresses were ready. Katsuko ensures a wonderful stress-free experience for young and old. I had a second wedding ceremony in a care home abroad for my in-laws, who were unable to travel to England, and had the pleasure of wearing the dress and saying my vows to my beloved husband for a second time! It cost less than in the stores too!!!
Lizzy
Lizzy Sent on 23/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

10/10 experience

I worked with Katsuko to create my custom wedding dress. Her work was immaculate throughout and made every effort to accommodate all my requests. We had several fittings throughout the several months we worked together and she kept me well updated on her progress. She also had an exceptional range of fabrics. All in all it was a fantastic experience and I would 100% recommend!
A
Anonymous Sent on 11/11/2015

50 meters tulle and 3D lace wedding dress

I would like to have “only one” wedding dress in the world, so I asked to Katsuko to make it. She suggested a lot of materials, trimmings and designs and I chose the best fabrics and got a wonderful wedding dress which I imagined. She made my dress with close attention in every detail, and it was very beautiful. I was so excited every time I had a fitting. Finally we had an amazing wedding ceremony. Thank you very much. Ayaka
K
Kyoko Sent on 10/08/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Something old into something new

Katsuko helped to make a dream come true by re-making my mother's vintage 1960's wedding dress for my own wedding. She was satisfied with the condition of the silk and was patient and open with my thoughts & impressions in re-making it. It was such a fun creative process to change the neckline, add beautiful lace detail around the neckline. She designed a beautiful organza and lace trim bolero to match. And she created a cathedral length 2 layer veil to suit the cathedral wedding in San Sebastian. There were many compliments from family & friends and my mother was especially pleased to see how well it turned out. Such quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, I can't recommend her enough. Thank you again Katsuko san.
C
Chiho Sent on 05/08/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Evening dresses

Katsuko has made a few evening dresses for me, which I’ve worn at some parties and my friends’ weddings. She was always accommodating my requests but also provided her thoughts which were very helpful, and made the dresses the way I wanted. She was also always making me feel comfortable when I was with her in her studio and it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience getting the dresses made by her.
M
Mina Sent on 25/07/2015
5 out of 5 rating

My graduation dress

I celebrated my graduation with a beautiful dress Katsuko made. I really enjoyed the process of making dress. She drew out my ideas on the dress I wanted applying her professional knowledge. When I wanted blue as the colour of the dress, she helped me to choose a perfect colour and its tone which were harmonised with my skin tone. On my graduation day, many of my friends and teachers commented on my dress, which made me feel very special. My parents and boyfriend also absolutely loved it. It was such a special experience for me to have a made-to-order dress and I really loved it. Thank you Katsuko for such a beautiful dress and a wonderful experience!
A
Anonymous Sent on 30/06/2015

Lord of the Rings style!

I went to Katsuko with a strong vision of how I wanted my wedding dress to look, (Lord of the Rings style!), and she was very enthusiastic about the idea. I was surprised at how quickly she managed to make the dress and even more at how beautiful it was, exactly how I pictured it. She even added some extra touches to the hem an sleeves. When we needed a alteration to the length it was no problem. All my guests commented on the dress, it was something unique and special, on a day I will never forget. Claire
A
Anonymous Sent on 18/06/2015

1950's style wedding dress

Some of the loveliest times before my wedding were the dress fittings with Katsuko. She made it feel like such a special event, had wonderful ideas and she made sure every tiny detail was perfect. I would 100% recommend any bride to go to Katsuko for the dress of their dreams. Marianne
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Meet the team

Katsuko Balfour
Katsuko Balfour
Wedding dressmaker

I’m a bespoke women’s clothing designer, Japanese by birth and now living in London.

As a dressmaker, I create wedding and formal wear with a focus on exceptional design and craftsmanship, delivering only the finest quality garments.

I graduated from the London College of Fashion (part of the University of the Arts London) in 2002 and worked at a high-quality women’s boutique in central London for over four years. I have been working independently since March 2008.

One of my grandmothers was a skilled kimono tailor, while the other spent her winters weaving kimono fabric in the garage, her hands busy with threads whenever she wasn’t tending to farm work. Their artistry and dedication left a profound impression on me.

As a child, I loved playing with fabric scraps, building towers out of thread bobbins, and meticulously organizing the sewing box. By the age of six, I was crafting small dolls, and before long, I began making simple garments. Creating with my hands has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me.

When I got married, I had the privilege of making my own wedding dress and veil. It was a deeply rewarding experience, filled with happiness and a sense of accomplishment that I will cherish forever.

I hope you find as much joy in the process of bespoke dressmaking as I have, and that your dress becomes something truly special.

If you have any questions, can you contact “mail-info@katsuko.net” please.

Have fun!

Katsuko Balfour

Map

Katsuko Balfour ,16 Elton Avenue, Barnet EN5 2EA London - North (North London)

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