Japanese bridal fashion designer and pioneer Katsura Yumi died at age 94 on April 26. 

Her company’s website informed about her passing on April 30. 

Katsura started her career as a designer in 1964 and opened the country’s first bridal boutique in 1965. 

She designed wedding dresses and traditional Japanese bridal kimono that suited Japanese women. 

She greatly influenced wedding styles and led the industry as a bridal evangelist. 

She held a fashion show in New York in 1981 and expanded her career outside Japan. 

She held shows in over 30 cities around the world, including Rome and Paris. 

The funeral has been held for close relatives only. 

A memorial service will be held separately.