Kate Middleton Sparks Global Economic Growth with 'The Duchess Effect'

What seems like a simple evening gown is actually an instigator to a surge in global consumer demand when the wearer is Kate Middleton. Back when photos of Prince William and Kate's engagement hit the media, consumers flocked to get their hands on their own blue Daniella Issa Helayel dress. This demand surge is now common after nearly every royal appearance, to the delight of suppliers, according to Duncan Golestani of NBC News, London.

"It Has Been Said that Kate has a Billion Dollar Effect on the British Economy," Royal Expert Says.

Camilla Tominey explains that the Duchess of Cambridge helps to promote both British luxury brands as well as global brands. And it is indeed a truly worldwide phenomenon. Whether it's her understated elegance, or the simple conservative look, "women the world over agree: They love the Kate look, and they want it for themselves," reports Golestani on MSNBC's The Today Show Feb. 11. It is interesting to ponder whether Kate knows the depth of the cultural impact she creates upon the simple choice of her clothing.

The Phrase "The Duchess Effect" Has Topped Fashion Buzz Words of the Year.

Designers like Alexander McQueem and Diane von Furstenberg "can only hope that Kate picks their clothes," says Golestani. At the same time, off the rack clothing lines are holding their breath as well. Kate seems to choose her clothing broadly, from high-end to moderate. Likely this is both a matter of personal taste and royal influence. In any case, it highlights the Duchess' appeal to all society levels.

Kate wore a Reiss dress for her royal engagement picture. She also wore a dress from the same line when she and Prince William met the Obamas at Buckingham Palace. Since then, consumer demand for the Reiss brand has nearly doubled. Andy Rogers, brand director of Reiss, said to MSNBC, "We've had so much interest in the dress, press-wise, and consumer-wise."

Beyond particular dresses and lines, Kate continues to make a drastic impact on general women's fashion. Her favorite accessories—nude colored pumps and stockings—have become a favorite among women, even through the constant style changes of the seasons. In a world where fashion often veers toward the shock-value of seduction, Kate's choices are a refreshing balance to the global fashion spectrum.

"Kate is the First Person to Top the Fashion List Two Years Running."

The Global Language Monitor is a Texas-based company which puts out a yearly report of all lingo and fads. Regarding fashion lingo, it monitors everything from Lady Gaga's surprising styles to particulars of Pippa Middleton's body frame. Considering Kate's drastic impact on global fashion commerce, it's not surprising that the world's fashion lingo would center on her persona.

The Duchess is the "most photographed woman of the world" according to Golestani, yet Kate seems to keep a unique authenticity to her fashion choices, sticking to the styles which suit her own tastes. Likely she receives royal fashion recommendations, but it's clear that a similar personal theme runs through her selections. One can only guess whether she deeply ponders her impact on global economy when she picks out an evening gown. Likely, her economic impact is not calculated. Rather, it's her simple authenticity which propels women the world over to admire her wardrobe—something that is hard to manipulate.