Kate Middleton's Done More For Fashion Than Fans Can Fathom

Apr 30, 2021 by apost team

Kate Middleton has been a fashion icon for a decade now, and with a plethora of looks from casual to formal, it's no surprise why. However, the Duchess of Cambridge has done more for the British fashion industry than fans can even fathom. 

On April 29, 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had ample reason to celebrate, as they marked a significant milestone in their relationship — their 10th wedding anniversary. It's been a whole 10 years since their iconic and memorable royal wedding was seen across the entire world.

Their union has seen them not only begin a life and family together — alongside their three gorgeous children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — but they've traveled the world doing their official royal and charitable work. Throughout all of their traveling and engagements, Middleton has always been noticed for her acute sense of fashion. From casual trousers to elegant ballgowns, Middleton has become a style icon for both other Brits and fans from across the pond. As a wife, mother and working royal, Middleton has embodied a sense of fashion that is accessible yet quirky, humble and high-fashion. There have been several occasions when Middleton has worn something and either the same garment or an equivalent dupe has sold out online within moments. After multiple dresses were suddenly sold out after Kate was seen wearing them, the phenomenon even got its own name, having been dubbed "the Kate effect."

Read on to learn about how Middleton has done more for the fashion industry than even the most diligent fans could have ever imagined. 

After a decade of marriage to William, Duchess of Cambridge Middleton has established herself as a style icon. Whether she's out with her children or engaging in royal business, Middleton's always wearing something that gets people talking and sometimes even buying her exact outfits or passable dupes. Fashion news and features director of The Telegraph, Bethan Holt, spoke exclusively to Harper's Bazaar about just how impactful the Duchess' fashion has been over the years. Holt said that Middleton's fashion has "really enhanced the image of the royal family."

"She's this glamorous figure people want to know about and has helped secure the next generation of the British royal family," Holt continued.

Holt chalks up Middleton's success to her quick understanding of how style was actually a part of her job as a royal public figure. Despite the highlight of her work not being fashion, Middleton has understood that as a subject of thousands of photos at hundreds of events her style has an impact. Holt drove home this sentiment as she said,

"Not only does it enhance the message of what she's doing that day, but also, she knows it attracts more people to what she's doing. The sad truth of the world is, if she's visiting a charity and she's wearing a brand-new dress that's really pretty, that picture will fly around the world, and lots more people will know about the charity. That's just how the world works."

In this photo, Middleton is seen with Prince William the day after their wedding wearing a Zara dress and blazer — about as approachable as it gets!

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In this photo, Middleton is wearing a more formal look, wearing a set from luxury-ready-to-wear brand Paule Ka. In the image below, Middleton is seen wearing a pink Gucci dress to the 100 Women in Finance Gala that took place at the Victoria & Albert Museum on Feb. 13, 2019. According to Holt, one of the days that truly solidified Middleton's influence in fashion was when she and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, and that was when "the Kate effect" was born. Holt spoke about the momentum this created for Middleton:

"That effect mushroomed over the last 10 years, the immediate ability to know where the dress is from so you, too, could buy it ... For some people who were not following (Kate prior to the engagement), that was the day they realized, 'Wow, there's a really glamorous new princess, and I want to look like she does. I'm going to buy that dress.' That was the moment it really took off beyond the niche demographic."

That power really took off and had a huge material impact on the British fashion industry. According to Holt, Middleton has raked in up to £1 billion (over $1.4 billion) in a single year for the British fashion industry. It's important to note this isn't strategic or planned; it's just "the Kate effect.'

Holt emphasized the particular power royal women have when it comes to influencing the public fashion sense. Holt told Harper's Bazaar:

"It's a great tool that women have in their arsenal, and they should use it."

What's your favorite fashion moment of Middleton's? Have you bought any of her outfits or created your own inspired look? Let us know and be sure to pass this on to other fans of Middleton and her style!