High street designer brands that have flown off the shelves courtesy of the ‘Kate effect’, and household brands with royal warrant for your entertaining needs.
Every now and then, brands are picked up by the royals and launched into global fame overnight, before they can even say ‘royal warrant’. Fans and observers of the British royal family, in particular, are known for their microscopic obsession over what the monarch wears, buys and eats.
Read also: The exclusive Royal duCK collection designed by HRH Princess Sarah of Brunei
To date, Kate Middleton remains such a strong force that the term ‘the Kate effect’ was coined to describe the economical prosperity in the wake of brands she loves and wears. Whatever fashion item Kate steps out in is guaranteed to be sold out in less than 24 hours.
STYLE
Luckily for us, the duchess has a taste for accessible labels and high street designers. These are some of Kate’s favourite brands that you, too, can have, to feel like a modern-day princess.
Burberry
Kate’s fitted Burberry trench coat with a frilly hem is one of her most worn pieces. The firm fashion recycler wore the timeless, double-breasted beige coat for a Shrove Tuesday event in Northern Ireland and never has pancake flipping looked so classy. Needless to say, the coat sold out on online in a flash.
Alexander McQueen
Understandably, Kate reserves a soft spot for the British label that designed her show-stopping wedding dress six years ago. This year alone, she’s worn Alexander McQueen on several public occasions: the blush pink dress at her sister Pippa’s wedding, a pleated hem skater to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and an off-shoulder black dress to the 2017 British Academy Film Awards.
Jenny Packham
Whenever Kate needs a boost for special occasion appearances, Jenny Packham, another British designer, is her go-to for ethereal, dazzling and sweeping dresses. Spotted this year on the duchess was an icy blue, floor-length dress at a gala dinner in Paris, and in 2016, her bespoke lace gown was recycled for a Diplomatic Reception and on her 2016 royal tour in Canada, the designer dressed her in a chic blue number.
French Sole
Slip into Kate’s shoes – literally – in a pair of French Sole Henrietta flats that she opts for, off-duty. Simple, comfortable and understated, this Kate-approved brand with a firm following of various celebrities, are a wardrobe essential that can’t do any wrong, no matter the outfit.
Mulberry
The finisher to Kate’s look is a handy accessory. Mulberry’s austere design and sumptuous leather craft resonates with Kate’s taste and complement her striking outfits. She’s often seen carrying a Mulberry Bayswater clutch at formal events, and for something more spacious, a classy black Polly Push Lock bag.
Entertaining essentials
What about hosting and dining like the royals? For your next party, consider these common brands with royal warrant that are a seal of aristocratic appreciation.
Scroll through to find out.
Moët & Chandon
Toasts and aperitifs of Moët & Chandon have been raised by her Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her dining parties since 1893. It still carries a royal warrant to supply to Queen Elizabeth II, and although each member has their own favourite drink, the champagne is a staple at state banquets and and official occasions.
Twinings
Ah, the English culture, tea is. Twinings has been supplying the royal household with tea since receiving its royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1837. The home of British tea, this brand skillfully blends fine infusions the monarch enjoys, and conveniently accessible in local supermarkets.
Walkers
Another firm British tradition that Her Majesty the Queen indulges in regularly is the Highland Oatcakes from Walkers. Wholesome, crunchy and versatile, these biscuits are great fixtures for cheeseboards and make satisfying nibbles at tea time.
In return, brands do return the favour to their beloved royals like this Habib Hearts of Fire bridal collection tribute.