London,--Whether wrapped in pink or blue, the new baby of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will have the power to influence trends across the globe as the latest addition to a powerful fashion dynasty.
Whenever Kate or her baby Prince George wear items, they rapidly sell out, in a marketing phenomenon dubbed the "Kate effect" that is helped along by social media and online shopping trends.
Kate's maternity wear and Prince George's baby clothes have proved particularly popular.
"They have global clout," said Geraldine Wharry, head of trend analysis firm Trend Atelier.
"Everyone is going to be waiting to see what the baby is going to wear and what she's going to look like post-pregnancy," she said.
Social media allows fans to track down and share exactly the items that Kate is pictured wearing -- and it helps that she mixes expensive designer wear with more affordable high street brands.
AFP
