Yumi Katsura's Celebration of Friendship

A collection that celebrates 160 years of friendship between France and Japan, Yumi Katsura presents "The Quintessence of Japanism". Inspired by famous artists like Gustave Klimt, Alfons Maria Mucha, Charles Martin and Emilie Gallé, this season honours them by mixing the curved lines of Art Nouveau with the culture of Japanism. Being a Klimt fan myself, I found Katsura's walking pieces of art to be especially captivating and intricately iconic. Her established style builds a bridge between Japanese ancestral techniques with French femininity. Don't let her gentle nature and 86 years of age fool you, Katsura's designs are as strong and as bold as the pioneering path she took to get to where she is today - recognised as one of the most famous and influential designers in Japan.

IMAGES COURTESY OF YUMI KATSURA / KRISTY SPAROW PHOTOGRAPHY