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9 brands the royal family has put on the fashion map

From Dior to Strathberry

By Jonah Waterhouse
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Bar the Kardashian-Jenners, there's few other families that maintain the same global style prevalence as the Windsors do. Over the years, the British Royal Family have contributed to the wild success and acceptance of many brands in the world of fashion, from the early days of Elizabeth II's reign to the recent sartorial choices of Duchess-in-the-making Meghan Markle. And, with the younger royals' championing of more affordable and accessible brands, this trend is showing no signs of slowing.

Here, we round up all the labels the royals have undoubtedly propelled in success, reinforcing their status as global style phenomena in the process

1

Christian Dior

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Before Christian Dior became a world-famous hallmark label in fashion, Princess Margaret was one of the designer's biggest fans. According to People, Margaret's adoption of the brand as early as 1947 (and close friendship with the designer) saw her don several Dior creations, and expose Dior's couture to an entirely new audience.

2

Hunter Boots

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Now iconic British boot brand Hunter has been a favourite of the royals for eons, which has undoubtedly contributed to the label becoming a household name. Seen here on Diana in 1981, the brand received a Royal Warrant (meaning they're allowed to bear the coat of arms) in 1977, and are now a wardrobe staple for countless celebrities.

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3

Christina Stambolian

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After Diana and Charles' very public divorce in 1992, the Princess of Wales abandoned her previously conservative aesthetic and marked her independence with this dress by Greek designer . It immediately brought the label to global attention, and became known as one of the late Princess's most iconic fashion moments.

4

Issa London

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At the royal engagement announcement in 2010, then-newcomer Kate Middleton wore a royal blue dress by Issa London, which matched her engagement ring from mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The dress immediately became a global hit and sold out in 43 countries, according to Elle UK, and cemented the Duchess as a fashion force.

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5

Illuminum Fragrances

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Aside from her impeccable Alexander McQueen dress on her wedding day in 2011, the fragrance Kate wore to her nuptials also caused a storm. 'White Gardenia Petals EDP', by small British fragrance house, sold out instantaneously after being unveiled as the Duchess's wedding scent.

6

Jenny Packham

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Already an established designer, British label Jenny Packham experienced surges when Kate wore dresses from the brand's ready-to-wear line after having both of her children. Packham's classic, eloquent designs have helped make the brand one of Kate's go-to's.

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7

Reiss

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After The Duchess of Cambridge wore this nude mini by British brand Reiss to meet the Obamas in 2011, the dress unsurprisingly sold out everywhere. Kate consistent use of the label has been acknowledged as assisting their mainstream resurgence.

8

Line, The Label

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Meghan Markle marked her engagement to Prince Harry by causing fashion anarchy, in typically royal style. The white coat she donned at her engagement announcement, by boutique Canadian brand Line the Label, caused their website to crash within hours after the images being released. What else would we expect?

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9

Strathberry

Meghan Markle's Strathberry bag
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On 1 December, while out in Nottingham, Markle wore this handbag by little-known Scottish brand Strathberry. It sold out immediately as expected, and people who already owned the bag have been listing them for almost quadruple the price on eBay.

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