Yumi Katsura is the greatest fashion designer you've never heard of. One of the world's bestselling luxury wedding-dress designers, she is venerated in her native Japan as a cultural icon and an inspirational business leader. Among her most celebrated pieces is a paper 'washi mode' dress housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art; a vestment worn by Pope John Paul II; and a diamond-laden wedding gown ranked among the most expensive of all time. These beautifully illustrated pages tell the story of a woman who single-handedly created Japan's modern wedding industry, turning centuries of tradition on its head. From Katsura's childhood in the ruins of wartime Tokyo to her stellar international career, her life is an example to anyone who dreams of living for their passion. Written by Cori Coppola ? producer of the acclaimed documentary House of Cardin ? with co-author Kristin Coppola, this lavish fashion biography is a must-have for critics, connoisseurs and couture fans. AUTHOR: Cori Coppola is the Producer of the fashion documentary The House of Cardin, directed by P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes. Shot in five countries over the course of two years, the film depicts the life and work of famed French fashion designer Pierre Cardin. Previously, she worked as a Coordinator and VFX Producer for films and commercials both in the U.S. and in France working at high-profile companies such as Kleiser-Walczak, BUF, and Partizan. Ms. Coppola, who originally hails from Hollywood, is fluent in French and has lived in Paris for over 21 years. She is the granddaughter of famed opera conductor Anton Coppola, daughter of jazz bassist Ray Brown, and part of the celebrated Coppola family. Her passion for art, fashion, music and film continues to inspire and drive her work. SELLING POINTS: . The story of the number-one-selling luxury wedding-dress designer in the world . Co-written by Cori Coppola, producer of the acclaimed fashion documentary House of Cardin . Including historical photographs and lush full-page spreads of Katsura's greatest creations . A must-have for critics, connoisseurs and couture fans 225 colour, 25 b/w illustrations