It is not easy being Kate Middleton. With the cameras always on you, the royals looking on, and the style gurus simply waiting for you to slip up, the Duchess of Cambridge has to constantly walk the fashion tightrope. is all the rage among fashion-lovers in the United Kingdom. Don’t believe me? Just browse online. You will find several websites that are dedicated what is being termed as the “Kate Effect”. Being married to the second in line to the British throne comes with its own sartorial responsibilities, and Kate has been regularly putting her best dressed foot forward. It helps, of course, that she adds her own subtle glamor to the most expensive dresses that she wears.
However, not all is well in the Queen’s country. At a time when regular British folk are struggling to make ends meet, fingers are pointing at Kate’s expensive outfits. So much so that recently when Prince Charles published his personal finance figures, there was much interest to see whether his new daughter-in-law had led to a huge jump in expenses. Prince Charles’ financial figures were released to reveal “the real cost of Kate”. This after the Duchess of Cambridge spent an estimated $54,000 on clothes in the first half of 2012.
Is Kate Blowing A Hole In Prince Charles’ Pocket?
The royal wedding would have blown a hole in Prince Charles’ pockets (if that is even possible), as would wardrobe costs for the newly royal Kate. It is well known that the Prince pays for all expenses on clothing for official events incurred by himself, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate. The Prince’s financial details were apparently made public to give people an insight into the costs associated with Kate.
The Prince spent $31 million between April 2011 and March 2012. In the previous year, minus Kate and the royal wedding, his expenses stood at
$30 million. Not too much of a difference really. Moreover, Forbes estimates that the Prince spent $100,000 on the William and Kate wedding, another $100,000 on the additional full-time staff member hired for Kate, and $150,000 for what is termed as Kate’s “official business”.
Kate Middleton: The Frugal Fashionista?
Yes, she is an expensive woman. But the royal family should be far from complaining. The pretty new royal in the ranks is bringing in a $1 billion rise in royal revenues. Being among the most watched women in the world is not an easy affair. Moreover, her $54,000 bill is not unheard of in these days. And at least she is a princess!
Remember Sarah Palin’s high-end style during her 2008 campaign for the Vice President’s office? Palin spent $150,000 on her wardrobe over those three months. Then there is the Bachelorette contestant who is rumored to have bought $350,000 worth of clothes and accessories to ensure that she made a serious splash on the dozen episodes of the reality show. Kate is in good company though. Michelle Obama is also known to spend a pretty penny for her much-lauded wardrobe choices.
Until recently, Kate Middleton fashion was synonymous with high street brands. Prince William’s sweetheart expertly mixed low-end and high-end pieces to high praise. There was also appreciation for her ability to recycle clothes in a way that ensured they still looked fresh. However, moving into the royal household may be affecting her high street tastes. The princess these days has a definite weakness for such high-end designers such as Alexander McQueen (who, if you remember, designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress). The princess has also been refusing freebies, preferring to pay the full amount for the clothes and accessories that she wears.
Inflation Dogs Kate Middleton Fashion
Her tastes may be becoming more and more expensive, but the Duchess of Cambridge continues to turn heads for her impeccable style. More importantly, even the simple action of her wearing a piece of clothing leads to a rise in its value. Kate-flation, as it is being called, is a very real thing.
Avid Kate watchers will remember the LK Bennett ‘Sledge’ court shoes that Kate wore to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla. She smartly repeated it with another dress at a garden party in Buckingham Palace. It turns out that price of the shoe has gone up by £20 (from £175 to £195) since the Duchess brought it into the limelight. Even the ‘Natalie’ clutch bag by LK Bennett saw a £20 increase, up from £140, since Kate teamed it with the Sledge shoes at the Buckingham Palace party.
While we are at it, think about the blue Issa wrap dress that made waves as the “Kate Middleton engagement dress” back in November 2011 when she announced that she was indeed engaged to Prince William. At the time the dress cost £385. The price has since increased by £110, and sits pretty at £495.
Indeed, Kate Middleton’s favorite brands are cashing in on her fashion choices. Women who want to dress like Kate Middleton and replicate her fashion statements will have to pay through their nose. Looking like a princess does not come cheap, after all. It bears comparing to note that inflation rates for food and clothing have risen by 3.5 percent in the year gone by. However, anything that Kate has touched has seen a price increase of anywhere between 12 percent and 28 percent. If ever you were looking for the girl with the Midas touch, Kate Middleton is it!
Kate Middleton Fashion: The Duchess’ Most Expensive Looks
1. At The Royal Wedding
Price: $400,000
The Kate Middleton wedding dress remains the most expensive dress to have graced her wardrobe. Designed by Alexander McQueen, the dress which reminded the world of Grace Kelly’s wedding gown, was a feast for the eyes.
2. At The Sun Military Awards
Price: $7,049
Kate worked the all-black look brilliantly at the Sun Military Awards. The dress was another intricate Alexander McQueen creation, customized and crafted from velvet. Kate smartly teamed it with a bag by Jaime Mascaro.
3. At An Olympics Ceremony
Price: $5,178
Life is not merely black or white for Kate and she proved it by stepping out in a beautiful teal-colored gown by Jenny Packham. Kate teamed the feminine lace-backed dress with Jimmy Choo sandals.
4. At The BAFTA Brits To Watch
Price: $4,686
Kate once again showed how lovely she looks in white. Alexander McQueen was her designer of choice yet again. Gracing her dainty feet were Vamp platform sandals from Jimmy Choo. A silver clutch and the Queen’s earrings completed the look.
5. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration
Price: $3,570
Kate celebrated in color. Bold red was the theme for this Alexander McQueen outfit teamed with her favorite LK Bennett pumps and an eye-catching hat by Sylvia Fletcher.
6. At Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Canada
Price: $3,175
The trusty LK Bennett pumps show up yet again as the Duchess decides to keep things simple yet feminine in this elegant lace dress from Erdem.
7. At The Annual Garter Ceremony, Windsor Castle
Price: $2,750
A white Alexander McQueen coat is the order of the day. Add to that a white clutch, and surprise! The LK Bennett courts yet again.
8. Visiting Prince Edward Island, Canada
Price: $1,963
The Duchess rocks white yet again in this simple dress by her favorite Alexander McQueen. This time she is wearing dark blue pumps by LK Bennett.
9. At A Reception At The Consular General’s home, Los Angeles, USA
Price: $1,118
Kate chose a green dress by Diane von Furstenburg this time. But the LK Bennetts stayed on. Alexander McQueen or not, Kate Middleton fashion rules.
10. At Her Engagement Announcement
Price: $616
There is no way of avoiding the Issa dress. The outfit that spurred numerous knockoffs is not one of the most expensive dresses in the world. But it is sure to leave you feeling like a queen.
