Kate is winning out over sister in law Meghan in the battle of the “Princess effect” fashion stakes if sales of trousers named after royal wives are to be believed.
The flattering styles from online fashion retailer Simply Be have become runaway successes as the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex influence the everyday look on the high street.
While demand for both versions has soared, the business has noticed how orders have reflected the ups and downs of the public image of the royal twosome.
Launched in August when Meghan was enjoying a honeymoon glow following her wedding to Prince Harry three months earlier, sales of the size 10 to 32 cigarette trousers named after her proved an instant hit.
Her high profile trip to Australia with Harry for the Invictus Games in September and her breaking with royal fashion convention by wearing a trouser suit to an official occasion added to the popularity of the ankle grazing Simply Be trousers
At one stage sales were 25 per cent higher than the “Kate” slim leg style.
However sales of the Meghan trousers fell and Kate’s rose sharply as headlines told of a royal rift between the pair.
At the same time the Duchess of Cambridge was returning to royal duties after time off following the birth of Prince Louis and was wining plaudits with repeat wears of classic down to earth outfits and some inspired high street chain choices.
The Kate slim leg trousers were now outselling the Meghan style by 12% though at one stage both pairs were selling so fast they sold out and more stock was rushed in.
Simply Be revealed the two styles of figure flattering trousers costing £35 have become among the fashion company’s top sellers and most in demand products, and they plan to build on the momentum by introducing a flared style named after the Duchess of Cambridge’s stylish sister, Pippa, this Spring!
The brand put the secret to the success of both styles down to the patented hi-tech fit properties built into both trousers, including 4 way, stretch fabric with a “power stretch” panel insert and a clever secret stretch waistband, which expands and contracts with the wearer’s body throughout the day, but retains the appearance of a flat waistband. Back panel detail shapes and flatters the bottom and as an added bonus the trousers are machine washable and don’t need ironing.
The most popular colour for both styles is black, but for the Kate the second most liked colour by customers was navy, a colour the Duchess of Cambridge often favours, while the second most purchased colour in the Meghan, was red, a colour The Duchess of Sussex has worn on several occasions.
“We decided to name the trousers after the royal duchesses as both are known for their practical yet fashion-forward style, and they’ve proved a HUGE success story for us!” said Laura MacDonald of Simply Be.
“Most customers have left five star reviews of both styles of the trousers, with many saying they’ve bought them in two or three colours! The great thing about them is that they’re so versatile and can be worn from day, with a jumper and boots, to night, with heels and a glam top – taking you from office to bar with minimal effort!
“The specialist fit properties just make them so reliable, and we’re really excited to build the range and launch the Pippa flared trousers!”
As well as black, the Kate style is currently available in teal, ochre and navy, while Meghan also comes in red, cobalt, navy and dark khaki. Both styles will introduce new colours in a lighter fabric for summer this March, alongside the launch of the highly anticipated ‘Pippa’ flares.
