Is Fashion Experiencing The Rise Of The ‘Pippa Effect’?

Kate Middleton's younger sister is this season's sartorial muse...

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by Danielle Fowler |
Published on

The Royal Family has an undeniable influence over our spending habits. Remember when Prince George donned a sweet bathrobe to meet Barack Obama? The toddler's athleisure-inspired look sold out within a matter of hours.

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The bathrobe Prince George wore to meet Obama sold out instantly ©Getty

While sister Princess Charlotte inspired thousands of mums earlier this month, when the sheep-adorned cardigan she wore for her birthday portrait sold out on the John Lewis website.

And the royals' sartorial choices mean big money in the fashion industry, as Brand Finance estimated that the 'Kate Middleton Effect' contributes £4.7 billion to the UK economy each year. While Princess Charlotte is expected to be worth more than £3 billion in the future.

But this month, it seems everyone is talking about Pippa Middleton's enviable wardrobe.

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The cardigan Princess Charlotte donned in her birthday portrait sold out instantly ©Getty

Set to wed fiancé James Mathews on May 20 at St Mark's in Engelfield, the media has captured her every move since the engagement news. And at every given opportunity, the fash pack has speculated which designer brand she will choose to don on the big day.

Rumour has it, Giles Deacon has been chosen for the job after he was spotted leaving her residence with dress bags a few months ago.

But regardless of which designer has been given the prestigious responsibility, one thing is certain. The sartorial spotlight is well and truly on Kate's younger sister, Pippa...

The Pre-Wedding Appearance

Just last week, Pippa made a rare public appearance, as she attended the ParaSnowBall Fundraiser. She opted for a floral dress by Erdem for the prestigious event and sure enough, search for the organza gown increased by 101 percent according to fashion giant, Lyst.

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Pippa opted for an organza dress by Erdem ©Getty

And in just 36 hours, the floral-embossed dress sold out on the website.

The Debut Engagement Dress

Pippa is renowned for keeping a relatively low public profile so when she made her debut appearance following the engagement, the media rushed to capture the moment. And sure enough, the Whistle's Lisa dress she was photographed wearing quickly became the most viewed white dress on Lyst that week.

According to the global fashion search engine, search for 'white lace' grew by 54 percent last July and cream hues are still the most popular sales when it comes to lace.

The Tweed Jacket

When it comes to the Sloane Rangers, tweed is undoubtedly the most donned print. And back in April 2013, Pippa challenged sister Kate in the sartorial stakes. Both sisters donned the cult pattern but Pippa surprisingly won the fashion vote.

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Pippa and Kate Middleton donned tweed in the same month ©Getty

Pippa's Tory Burch jacket received nine percent more views that Kate's mint Mulberry tweed look. And according to Lyst, search for the Tory Burch jacket continued to increase by 28 percent week on week.

The Two-Piece

Back in August 2015, Pippa was photographed on the beach in a red bikini. Within a mere 72 hours, the two-piece sold out on Lyst. The good news however, is that the Vix Solid Bia Tube Bikini is back in stock for those looking to imitate the look.

And with her nuptials on the horizon, we're intrigued to see if Pippa's wedding dress has the same influence on the nation as Kate's lace gown by Sarah Burton.

READ MORE: Is This Why Kate Middleton Won't Be Pippa's Bridesmaid?

READ MORE: Meghan Markle Will Be In The Congregation At Pippa Middleton's Wedding

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