The “Kate Middleton Effect” Continues
The Duchess of Cambridge has a special ability to give the Midas touch for dress designers to sell out of whatever she’s photographed in. Her ability to wear clothes with grace convinces royalists and fashion enthusiasts around the world to think, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Which brings us to the “Kate Effect.” First sparked after she wore her Grace Kelly–inspired wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, prompting brides around the world to swap their strapless gowns for one with arms with lace-detailing. The trend of copy-Kate continued on her Canadian Royal Tour with Will with a pair of plain beige boat shoes peaking in popularity. Women traded in their black office pumps for the nude LK Bennett pumps she favoured. Even young woman started wearing hosiery. Two years later, it hasn’t stopped. In fact, even as her baby bump grows – a time when most women do not feel their most fashionable – the Duchess is wowing her followers.
When Middleton was pictured in a polka-dot dress from Top Shop while touring a movie set, the dress sold out in an hour. Click through the items below to see which items Kate’s made marketable:
Designers every where tried to mimic the functional-turned-fashionable boat shoe that became highly sought after.
This navy Smythe blazer became a hot-ticket item after the Duchess was seen wearing it on her Canadian tour.
