INSIDE THE STUDIO: KATIE YEUNG of HERA COUTURE

now we end our global travels 8,814 miles from The Bridal Council’s NYC headquaters with our last stop in New ZeALAND with designer KATIE Yeung, the visionary behind Hera Couture, has redefined bridal fashion, creating stunning and empowering designs that embrace women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Known for her innovative spirit and commitment to inclusivity, Katie has transformed Hera Couture into a brand that celebrates individuality and timeless beauty.

As anticipation builds for the launch of her Fall 2025 Collection, we had the opportunity to sit down with Katie for an exclusive interview. She shared her inspiration behind the new designs, her dedication to empowering brides, and what exciting trends we can expect from this stunning release.

Katie, it's such a pleasure to speak with you! Hera Couture has become a go-to name in bridal fashion. What inspired you to start this journey?

Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey, and the inspiration came from my passion for helping women feel confident and beautiful, especially on one of the most important days of their lives. I’ve always felt that bridal fashion could be more inclusive, so I wanted to create gowns that not only look stunning but truly fit every woman’s unique shape. Empowerment is at the heart of everything we do at Hera Couture. Every bride deserves to feel her absolute best.

Your commitment to inclusivity has really set Hera Couture apart. How do you ensure all brides feel represented in your collections?

Inclusivity is everything for us. We offer a wide range of sizes and customizations so no bride is ever left out. It's more than just offering larger sizes—it's about tailoring each gown to fit perfectly, ensuring that every bride feels like the most beautiful version of herself. Whether it’s working one-on-one with brides to personalize their gowns or choosing fabrics that are both luxurious and comfortable, the goal is for every woman to shine in her own way.

Speaking of fabrics, you’re known for your love of textiles. Can you give us a sneak peek of the materials you’ve selected for Fall 2025?

Of course! This season, we’re working with some truly luxurious fabrics that bring both elegance and movement to the designs. We’ve embraced silky satin, fine tulle, and custom laces—each one chosen to create that perfect blend of comfort and beauty. One of the highlights is a custom lace featuring intricate floral patterns inspired by New Zealand’s natural landscapes. It’s soft, delicate, and drapes beautifully, adding texture and dimension to the gowns. I can’t wait for brides to experience it!

THAT SOUNDS GORGEOUS! WHAT INSPIRED THIS COLLECTION?

THE THEME FOR FALL 2025 IS **“DISTILLED FINESSE.”** I WANTED TO CREATE A COLLECTION THAT EMBODIES A BRIDE WHO IS BOTH TIMELESS AND MODERN—SOMEONE WHO IS CONFIDENT, STRONG, YET DEEPLY ROMANTIC. THIS SEASON, I’VE REALLY FOCUSED ON SILHOUETTE AND TEXTURE, PLAYING WITH FLUID LINES AND BOLD DETAILS. WE’VE GOT GOWNS WITH FLOWING MIKADO SKIRTS, TULLE CAPES, AND EMBROIDERED SLEEVES THAT ALLOW EACH BRIDE TO EXPRESS HER PERSONALITY. THERE ARE ALSO SOME DRAMATIC STATEMENT PIECES, LIKE ARCHITECTURAL NECKLINES AND INTRICATE LACE EMBELLISHMENTS, FOR BRIDES WHO WANT THAT EXTRA WOW FACTOR.

IT’S AMAZING HOW YOU BALANCE MODERN TRENDS WITH TIMELESS ELEGANCE. HOW DO YOU APPROACH THAT BALANCE?

IT’S ABOUT FINDING THAT SWEET SPOT BETWEEN WHAT’S ON-TREND AND WHAT WILL REMAIN BEAUTIFUL YEARS FROM NOW. I LOVE INCORPORATING MODERN ELEMENTS LIKE OFF-THE-SHOULDER NECKLINES OR BUSTIER DESIGNS, BUT I PAIR THEM WITH CLASSIC, REFINED SILHOUETTES. THE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE EACH GOWN FEELS FRESH BUT ALSO TIMELESS. I WANT EVERY BRIDE TO LOOK BACK AT HER WEDDING PHOTOS AND STILL FEEL THAT HER GOWN IS AS STUNNING AS IT WAS ON HER BIG DAY.

Designer Katie Yeung of HERA COUTURE

YOUR ATTENTION TO CRAFTSMANSHIP IS REMARKABLE. CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE PROCESS BEHIND CREATING EACH GOWN?

EVERY GOWN IS TRULY A LABOR OF LOVE. WE START WITH A SKETCH, AND FROM THERE, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS. OUR TEAM OF SKILLED ARTISANS HANDCRAFTS EACH PIECE WITH PRECISION AND CARE—FROM SOURCING THE FINEST FABRICS TO ENSURING EVERY STITCH IS PERFECT. WE PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO HOW EACH GOWN MOVES, HOW IT FITS, AND HOW IT MAKES A BRIDE FEEL WHEN SHE WEARS IT. THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST AESTHETICS; IT’S ABOUT CREATING A PIECE THAT FEELS PERSONAL AND LUXURIOUS.

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS

KATIE YEUNG CONTINUES TO REDEFINE BRIDAL FASHION WITH HER DEDICATION TO INCLUSIVITY, INDIVIDUALITY, AND TIMELESS ELEGANCE. HER FALL 2025 COLLECTION IS SURE TO LEAVE BRIDES SWOONING WITH ITS BALANCE OF MODERN FLAIR AND CLASSIC SOPHISTICATION. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A DRAMATIC STATEMENT PIECE OR AN ETHEREAL GOWN THAT FLOWS LIKE A DREAM, HERA COUTURE’S LATEST COLLECTION PROMISES SOMETHING FOR EVERY BRIDE.

STAY TUNED FOR THE COLLECTION’S DEBUT AND PREPARE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE ARTISTRY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT ONLY HERA COUTURE CAN OFFER. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, CONTACT Nicky DUNN - NICKY@HERACOUTURE.CO.NZ