The ‘Kate-effect’ is undeniable. Catherine steps out in an outfit, and the world takes notice, with many of her signature items selling out in record speed.
Her famous Issa royal blue silk-jersey wrap dress, worn to announce her engagement to Prince William, quickly gained cult status, selling out time after time, and was consequently released in numerous new hues.
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Catherine’s high street fashion choices are also big hitters. Superga reportedly saw sales go through the roof after their white plimsolls were hailed as the Duchess’s trainer of choice, while her £39 Zara sundress worn to a charity polo match last summer sold out in just minutes.
The Duchess looked radiant in a blue Issa dress for her engagement announcement
So who’s the mastermind behind Catherine’s impeccable outfits? Until recently, the Duchess had her PA, Natasha Archer at the helm.
But with Natasha reportedly beginning her maternity leave after giving birth to her first child in December, Catherine’s been on the lookout for a new fashion guru to assist her with her, presumably meticulous, outfit planning – and it looks like she’s found the woman for the job.
Richard Eden from the Daily Mail has reported that Kate’s new stylist is former British Vogue editor Virginia Chadwyck-Healey.
Catherine turned to her trusty J Crew jumper for an engagement with the Scouts Association
A royal source allegedly told Eden that, “Ginnie is Catherine’s secret weapon.
“She has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence.”
Looks like a wardrobe overhaul might be in progress, with Chadwyck-Healy’s fashion motto being ‘Condense, Curate, Create,’ according to her website.
Chadwyck-Healy, who is also known Ginnie, is an old friend of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s and attended their wedding back in 2011.
She wrote about the occasion, ‘To my great surprise, I found myself included in the fashion reviews as one of the ‘best-dressed wedding guests’ in an Emilia Wickstead ensemble.
‘To my mother’s horror, I didn’t wear tights.’
Catherine’s former stylist and PA, Natasha fell into the role somewhat by accident. After graduating in Hispanic studies from King’s College in London, Natasha became the Duchess’s PA in 2007.
But after loosely advising the Duchess on her styling, she was given an official role of ‘style advisor’ in 2014.