Los Angeles native, Katharine Polk founded HOUGHTON in 2011.

Katharine’s designs blur the line between decadent and demure, attracting brides unafraid to draw outside the lines. Though styles range from understated to intricate, her goal is simple: Empower every bride in her uniqueness.

Polk will lead HOUGHTON in a new direction with women’s needs and bodies at the forefront. Offering every style in sizes 00-30+ and made and designed sustainably in Los Angeles. With access to over 28 collection archives the Houghton DNA will be present in everything we do.

Polk has been designing Women's Evening-wear and Couture Bridal since she graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from FIDM in Los Angeles. She moved to New York in 2006 to work for Badgley Mischka Couture as an assistant designer. Since then Polk became a Fashion Editor and launched Houghton in 2011. Polk went on to be a 3 time FGI nominee and a St Louis Fashion Fund Caleres Group winner in 2015. Polk has designed iconic wedding looks for Ashlee Simpon and Evan Ross, Nicole Trunfio and dressed red carpet VIP's like Lily Collins, Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Kylie jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Carmen Egojo, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Melanie Lynskey and many more. Her work has also been seen in and on the covers of Vogue, WWD, Brides, Elle, The Knot and New York Times to name a few.

In 2025 Houghton announced their exclusive partnership with Albright LA. Houghton will see brides and clients at their new Bridal Suite in Trousdale, Beverly Hills.