NEW YORK: Seconds after Kate Middleton emerged from her car outside Westminster Abbey in a ball gown with lace sleeves, designers around the US, glued to their TV sets, were sketching her look, setting in motion a mad rush for mass-produced versions that are expected to be in stores as early as late June. For brides-to-be who can't wait even four weeks, David's Bridal, the largest US bridal chain, was already trumpeting a strapless look from Oleg Cassini, paired with a lacey bolero jacket, on its website as an already available stand-in as it scrambled to push out modified knockoffs of the real thing to stores by September. Meanwhile, the television home-shopping channel QVC said shoppers will be able to pre-order earrings inspired by the diamond drops worn by Middleton as early as Monday night. The piece, which will sell for under $50 and was created by Kenneth Jay Lane, will be available to shoppers in two months. Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, didn't break new fashion trends Friday, but fashion experts say her elegant understated look, which featured a V-neck intricate lace bodice, is expected to bring back a new era of classic wedding dressing that was just starting to reemerge in designers' collections. In particular, her dress should spur a demand for lacey sleeves in all special-occasion wear and reverse the strapless gowns that have been popular for several years. Many experts say that the Middleton's gown, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen's fashion house, even paid homage to what film star Grace Kelly wore on her wedding day to the Prince Rainier of Monaco more than 50 years ago. More importantly, fashion industry experts like Brian Beitler, chief marketing officer of David's Bridal, believe Middleton could re-energize the wedding industry, which has been hurt by the Great Recession as shoppers focused more on expense-cutting and less on the fairy tale. “I thought it was going to be over the top, but it was more about simplicity and elegance,” said Allen Schwartz, co-owner of A.B.S., which is known for pumping out copies of celebrity dresses. “This is Grace Kelly revisited. This is iconic. She will have a huge impact in fashion. She will be the new `It' girl.” Schwartz, who started sketching as soon as the gown was revealed on TV, said his team arrived at 5:30 A.M. at his Los Angeles showroom, ready to cut the pattern. He unveiled the gown at a charity gala Friday night and Saturday, one of his A.B.S stores in the area was expected to have a sample on display for customers. The gowns, which will be produced in local factories, should be in department stores by late June. They will retail for $900. Fashion companies interviewed said they're not exactly copying every detail of Middleton's gown, but taking elements of the design to make it more wearable — and of course more affordable.
