Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has become a fashion icon since her engagement to Prince William.

In fact, her sartorial choices have created what is now known as the “Kate effect”—a phenomenon where almost every item of clothing she wears, whether from high street stores or luxury brands, flies off the shelves in record time.

This influence on fashion sales has made her a key player in the retail industry, elevating both high-end and affordable brands to new heights of popularity.

The Rise of the Kate Effect

When Kate and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, the world couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of her style.

At the time, Kate wore a stunning royal blue Issa wrap dress, which sold out within hours of her appearance.

This was just the beginning of what would become a long-lasting impact on the fashion world.

The Issa dress’s popularity was so overwhelming that it led the brand into administration due to its inability to keep up with demand.

Since then, her wardrobe choices have continued to cause waves in the fashion industry, with many brands experiencing sharp increases in sales every time Kate steps out in a new look.

Kate’s Enduring Influence on Fashion Brands

One of the most remarkable aspects of the “Kate effect” is the way it boosts both well-established and emerging brands.

For example, maternity label Seraphine saw a staggering 400 percent increase in sales after Kate wore one of their dresses during her pregnancy.

Brands like Reiss, Beulah London, and Faithfull the Brand have also experienced massive surges in popularity following Kate’s public appearances.

Despite Kensington Palace’s decision to no longer disclose details about Kate’s outfits, her impact remains undeniable, with even her most recent pieces, like a Petar Petrov blazer, selling out in hours.

Iconic Outfits and the Power of the Kate Effect

Kate’s influence on fashion is evident in many of her wardrobe choices, both from high-end designers and more affordable brands.

Here are some standout moments when the “Kate effect” was in full force:

Petar Petrov The Founder Jacket: During a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, Kate wore the £1,163 Petar Petrov jacket, which quickly sold out as fans rushed to recreate her polished look. Despite Kate’s efforts to shift focus away from her clothing, the jacket was gone within hours.
Issa Wrap Dress: Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in the history of the Kate effect occurred when she wore the royal blue Issa wrap dress for her official engagement photocall. The £385 silk dress sold out in a mere 24 hours, marking the beginning of her influence over the fashion industry.
Needle & Thread Aurora Dress: At the UK-Africa Investment Summit in January 2020, Kate wowed in a £435 Needle & Thread Aurora dress, which sold out in a single day and even garnered a waiting list of 700 eager buyers.

Kate’s Affordable Fashion Choices

Kate has a way of making even the most affordable items sell out in record time.

Her £39.99 striped off-the-shoulder dress from Zara, worn at a charity polo match in May 2018, was a prime example.

The dress was so popular that it quickly sold out in every size.

Similarly, her £8 Accessorize “Polly” earrings, worn at the 2019 Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, sold out after just two public appearances.

The Legacy of Kate’s Style

Kate Middleton’s influence over fashion trends extends beyond just clothing.

Her ability to elevate lesser-known brands and bring attention to causes is a testament to her enduring appeal.

Her clothing choices continue to inspire and influence millions of people around the world, making her a true trendsetter and fashion icon.

From maternity dresses to evening gowns, Kate’s style continues to captivate the public and drive sales, showing just how powerful her fashion choices have become in shaping the retail industry.

Whether it’s a high-end designer piece or an affordable high street item, the “Kate effect” shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.