Royals lead the way and spark a colourful rush for something special

THE Royal wedding has been judged an outstanding success in British fashion terms, with retail experts predicting that the big bash will have welcome repercussions for sales of special occasion outfits, as women throughout the country seek to emulate the bold and sassy styles of the celebrities and royal guests.

Sales of colours of the prominent outfits are already soaring, according to Debenhams.

The Queen’s unusual choice of primrose, Camilla’s champagne, Beatrice’s nude, and the bright peacock blue, as worn by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, has resulted in unexpected sales increases in these colours.

The trend was spotted by sales assistants, personal shoppers and Debenhams’ online team just hours after Kate and William walked up the aisle as newly-weds.

Saucer-style hats have also been flying out with many guests opting for this as their headgear of choice, having seen Philip Treacy’s spectacular creation.

Ed Watson, spokesperson for Debenhams, said: “It seems that, at the age of 85, the Queen is still a fashion icon. We’ve been inundated with shoppers across the country taking a lead from the colours worn at the wedding.”

On the matter of the wedding dress itself, designer Ben de Lisi said: “Kate looked exquisite. Her look was very glamorous, yet elegant and polished. The dress was beautiful and didn’t lose her own individual style.”

Andrew Fiona, another of the Designers at Debenhams, commented: “Simply stunning, almost the most perfect bride ever. Classic, elegant, wonderfully cut with dramatic back detail, this will go down in history as the most serene and sophisticated wedding gown of the century. Alexander McQueen’s chief designer, Sarah Burton, has done both the late Lee and the house of McQueen proud, and is of huge importance to the British fashion industry.”

John Rocha said: “I think Sarah Burton did an amazing job. Kate Middleton is truly radiant in a beautiful ivory silk and lace dress worn with a delicate silk tulle veil of embroidered flowers. The whole wedding party looks fantastic.”