Prince William is carving out his own style influence, giving rise to what’s now being called “the William effect.” This summer, the 42-year-old future King debuted a rugged look featuring a fuller beard, which quickly caught public attention. Initially, he shaved it off after his daughter, Princess Charlotte, expressed her dislike, but he later regrew it with her approval. The new look has sparked a trend among men seeking beard transplants, with Murat Alsac, co-founder of Istanbul’s EsteNove clinic, reporting a 200% rise in such procedures. Many clients even bring photos of Prince William, hoping to replicate his iconic look.
While the “William effect” gains momentum, Kate Middleton continues to reign as a global style icon with her legendary “Kate effect.” But what exactly is the Kate effect? It refers to the way her wardrobe choices create a frenzy, causing items to sell out instantly and boosting the UK fashion industry by millions annually. For instance, her Reiss ‘Nanette’ dress sold out within hours during a royal tour and still commands double its original price on resale sites. Similarly, when she wore Alicia Camilla Elphick pumps at a charity polo match in 2022, the designer experienced a surge in demand, with phones ringing non-stop as the shoes flew off shelves. Together, the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to shape global trends with their distinctive style and influence.