Kate Middleton headgear fad is fantastic for fascinators

Every outfit Kate Middleton has worn since the announcement of the royal wedding has led to a frenzy in the shops as fans imitate her look.

Designer Cherry Chau said sales of her fascinators had more than doubled since last year. "It's been fantastic," she said. "Kate is such an icon and she's been wearing our fascinators for quite some time now - since she was at St Andrews.

"There's something really cool and really real about her that people just want to have. Her kind of luck, her kind of life, her kind of confidence."

John Lewis and Marks & Spencer have also seen a steep rise in fascinator sales. In the last week alone, John Lewis said sales of the headgear went up by 26 per cent.

One of the many brands to enjoy the effects of Miss Middleton's status as a fashion icon is Issa London, whose Sapphire dress sold out within 24 hours of her engagement photocall with Prince William.