kate middleton new pic

The Kate Middleton effect (also the Kate effect, the Duchess of Cambridge effect or the Duchess effect) is the trend effect that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has on others, from cosmetic surgery for brides, to sales of coral-coloured jeans.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".

Reports that the Duchess of Cambridge had considered using hypnobirthing for the natural birth of her and Prince William's son, who isthird in line to the British throne, have also caused increased interest in natural childbirth around the world.

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. 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.

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. 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. 

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%

However some now suggest that the so-called 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.'

Roland Mouret also agrees and says that business was more likely to be boosted by US reality television stars. “The kind of people who like Kate’s style are not the kind to rush out and copy her dress."

Jane Shepherdson, CEO of Whistles, said the same of a cream blouse also chosen for an official engagement portrait, which was more than two years old. “It didn’t do anything for sales,” she said. “We do short runs. By the time you see pictures of Kate, we’ve probably sold out anyway.” Shepherdson also described the Duchess as “a great advert, but no more than that”