When the Duchess of Sussex claimed that she spends her time Googling small and up-and-coming designers to put them in the global spotlight and boost sales, she raised eyebrows amongst royal watchers. While she undoubtedly can be credited with putting the British brand Strathberry on the map, she often chose to wear high-end – and expensive – designer labels such as Givenchy, Dior and Oscar de la Renta on official engagements. And, certainly, she is not the only member of the Royal Family to propel British brands to success: many labels attribute their sales boosts to the royal seal of approval.
REISS Turnover: £325 million Royal fans: The Prince and Princess of Wales Newly-wed Kate Middleton wore the £175 Shola dress from Reiss for a meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace after returning from her honeymoon in 2011 Since David Reiss set up his eponymous menswear company in 1971, moving into womenswear at the turn of the century, he has gone from strength to strength. But it was when Kate began wearing the fashion label that sales soared. She chose their £159 Nanette dress for her engagement photograph, taken by Mario Testino on November 25, 2010, and the dress sold out immediately.
Then, she wore their £175 Shola dress for a meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama, at Buckingham Palace, on May 24, 2011, and the company was made. 'I have been in the business for 40 years, and I've never seen anything like this reaction, and not just in the UK, but ov.
