Kate Middleton effect

Kate Middleton wearing a Reiss dress[1] during Canada Day celebrations on July 1, 2011.

The Kate Middleton effect[2] (also the Kate effect, the Duchess of Cambridge effect or the Duchess effect)[3][4] is the trend[5] effect that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has on others, from cosmetic surgery for brides,[6] to sales of coral-coloured jeans.[7] Although Middleton was in the public eye for many years as the girlfriend of Prince William, the effect began after the announcement of the couple's engagement in November 2010, which spawned a media frenzy.

According to Newsweek, "The Kate Effect may be worth £1 billion to the UK fashion industry," while Tony DiMasso, L. K. Bennett’s US president, stated in 2012, "when she does wear something, it always seems to go on a waiting list".[8]

Catherine's fashion choices have also had a profound effect on charitable causes. Her wedding dress was put on display at Buckingham Palace in the summer of 2011. The display helped to raise approximately £8million for the Royal Collection, as well as the charitable fund of the Duke and Duchess, and was reported to have drawn a record number of visitors.[9][10] This charitable contribution was enhanced in 2012 when the Duchess gave her first public speech for her patronage, EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices), and was seen wearing one of their charity bracelets. The bracelet then went on to sell out rapidly.[11]

The Kate Effect is facilitated by online social media and technological developments. In March 2011, after the first public announcement of their engagement, the website What Kate Wore was launched. The website comments on the outfits chosen by the Duchess, as well as providing links to the designers of said outfits.[12] In August 2012, a mobile application entitled Kate's Style List, was created. The app provides a comprehensive list of the outfits worn by the Duchess, and where they can be purchased, allowing fans to recreate her look for themselves. [13]

In August 2013, the Kate effect was felt by the maternity brand Seraphine maternity when the Duchess wore one of the brand's dresses in their first official portraits with Prince George reportedly increasing turnover by 50%.[14]

However it has been suggested that the Kate Effect is merely exaggerated because of her penchant "for wearing styles that have long sold out" and that "habit of choosing last season's designs meant that those wishing to emulate her look had already missed out." A designer who worked with Catherine was reported to say that business was more likely to be boosted by US reality television stars. The CEO of Whistles agreed, remarking "We do short runs. By the time you see pictures of Kate, we've probably sold out anyway." The CEO also described the Duchess as "a great advert, but no more than that".[15]

Prince George effect

The Prince George effect, also known as the Royal Baby effect, is the trend effect that Prince George of Cambridge has on others, similar to his mother's. The cloth that he was wrapped in when he was carried out of the hospital the day after his birth was sold out soon after. The effect has continued to occur during his recent tours of Australia and New Zealand. Many businesses have attempted to use this effect to their advantage.

References

  1. ↑ IBTimes Staff Reporter (July 1, 2011). "Stunning Kate Middleton celebrates Canada Day in Reiss dress". International Business Times. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  2. ↑ "A Year Later, the Kate Middleton Effect Is Still Going Strong". Newsfeed.time.com. 2012-04-27. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  3. ↑ Thomas-Bailey, Carlene; Zoe Wood (30 March 2012). "How the 'Duchess of Cambridge effect' is helping British fashion in US". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  4. ↑ Deborah Arthurs (2011-12-28). "Kate Middleton's Midas touch strikes again as 'Duchess effect' helps Reiss double its profits". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  5. ↑ Smith, Sean (24 May 2011). Kate: A Biography of Kate Middleton. Simon and Schuster. p. 142. ISBN 978-1-4516-6156-9.
  6. ↑ Hirschmiller, Stephanie (26 April 2012). "The bridalplasty epidemic: Has the Kate effect spawned a rush on cosmetic surgery for brides?". Mail Online. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  7. ↑ "The Kate effect strikes again: Sales of coral-coloured jeans soar after Duchess wore pair to play hockey". Mail Online. 16 March 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  8. ↑ Hirschmiller, Stephanie (2 May 2012). "'You're meant to be a princessy type of person, so act like 'one!': Shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood slams The Duchess of Cambridge's taste in shoes". Mail Online. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  9. ↑ Christopher Wilson (2011-09-09). "A tale of two dresses: Kate's wedding gown raises £8m on display at Buckingham Palace while Diana's outfit is carted around the globe". Mail Online. Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  10. ↑ "Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress Could Attract More Visitors to Buckingham Palace in a Single Summer Than Ever Before - The Cut". Nymag.com. 2011-04-30. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  11. ↑ Victoria Murphy (2012-07-23). "Kate Middleton: Kate Effect strikes again as £10 charity bracelets sell out after Duchess is pictured wearing one". Mirror Online. Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  12. ↑ "About". What Kate Wore. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  13. ↑ Hamilton, Jane (2012-08-24). "Fans of Duchess of Cambridge can copy her style – with app". The Sun. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  14. ↑ The Kate effect could double maternity brand's turnover after dress Duchess wore in baby portrait sold out in 48 hours
  15. ↑ Ward, Victoria (2013-01-07). "The 'Kate Effect' overstated due to Duchess's thriftiness". Telegraph. Retrieved 2013-03-31.