What drove you to become a bridal designer?

Over ten years ago, I saw a void in the market for modern bridal. There wasn’t anything for my friends to wear, or even older women getting married who didn’t want that traditional princess gown. I wanted to create a designer level collection that catered to women who appreciate couture and designer collections and needed a beautiful gown that spoke to their aesthetic. I also wanted to create a brand and shopping experience that catered to my clientele. Inspired by the red carpet, couture and women like my namesake, Katharine (Houghton) Hepburn, I founded Houghton in 2011. Fast forward to today, I am leading my second company Katharine Polk Bridal, Bridal for every shape and size with the same ideas but a fine-tuned approach. We are designed and made in Los Angeles.

Pick some of your favourite pieces that really highlight the vision of the collection.

1. ’Karmen’ is the perfect dress to go from dinner to civil ceremony and back. We offer her in a midi and a mini from XS-4X in 20 colours. Also a great bridesmaid or maid-of-honour option!

2. ‘Nicole’ is a stretch silk jersey dress offered in sizes XS-4X. She cinches in all the right places and holds you in. She is flattering - the best part is, there are no Spanx necessary!

3. ‘Miranda’ is a hand-embroidered rose bolero, made of fabric manipulated rosettes and absolutely a work of art. She is made to order, so has a little longer wait-time than the other styles, but she is definitely worth the wait! Keeping you warm from your civil ceremony to the after-party, or even at a post-wedding girls brunch, she’s a particularly special one that is worth the investment!

4. I also have to add our Custom Bridal option! Even though its not a style on the collection, our custom bridal options are really what our brides tend to go for. We offer custom pieces starting at $5,000 USD.

Have you got a hero style?

That’s a tough one! I am definitely known for styles from my previous brand, but I am trying to bring some freshness to the new collection which launched at the end of 2020. Right now, our Custom Bridal is leading the way as our most popular. But in terms of one style on the collection, I’d have to say ‘Holly’, a sleek, corseted column gown with a crepe cape back. She is super customisable as well - you can add a train or change the sleeves and cape.

If you weren’t in the bridal industry, what industry do you think you would be working in?

I’d either be a horse trainer or a kindergarten teacher!

What are you looking forward to about Global Gallery?

Bridal Buyer’s Global Gallery is a digital platform that connects buyers and brands using innovative matchmaking technology.

Connecting with boutiques internationally will be wonderful! We can’t wait to meet all of these amazing boutiques and boutique-owners and start doing business now that the world is opening up and brides are ready to shop.

To see the full collection, follow the brand or connect with Katharine Polk, sign up for your complimentary membership to GLOBAL GALLERY