Kate Middleton Inspires Spring Collections at NYFW

 Image by Splash News

The spring runway shows have kicked off at New York Fashion Week and it's clear that a lot of the presentations are influenced by the polished styles of everyone's favorite Duchess, Kate Middleton.

Everyone from Anna Wintour, to Tommy Hilfiger to Rachel Zoe are saying Duchess Catherine has started a craze in fashion to dress more demure.

Bloggers, Journalist, and fashion critics are calling the obsession with Kate Middleton the "Anti-Kardashian" effect. Woops. Gone are the strapless dresses and leopard print maxis who have been replaced with longer sleeves and higher necklines.

Ed Burstell, the managing director for London retailer, Liberty, says "we are in a Kate moment" and that all all Hollywood celebs "look so phony by comparison."

While some say Kate Middleton isn't daring enough with her style, apparently that's the appeal. Her conservatism is so shocking, it's the anti-daring.

Rachel Zoe, stylist turned designer, says Middleton represents "that fairy tale aspect of fashion is what appeals to Americans," says Zoe, "Who doesn't want to see the storybook come alive? The duchess represents a return to classicism."

The American Classic designer, Tommy Hilfiger says Kate's influence is widespread this season, "she will influence all markets."

Diane Von Furstenberg claims Kate Middleton provides fashionistas an alternative to the "housewives," a reference to the TV "Real Housewives" with their duck lips and over-the-top fashion.

The ice-queen of fashion, Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, even has kind words about Kate's stye, "There's nothing trashy or vulgar about her. She dresses her age and never looks out of place."

After seeing a Valentino couture show in July, Giancarlo Giammetti, a former owner of the brand, called the entire collection "very Kate Middleton."

However, Ken Downing, the fashion director of Neiman Marcus says don't expect exact replica's of Kate's clothing. "We are not necessarily going to see exact adaptations of what she is wearing. Dressing up is the new cool, and dressing down is old school," says Downing, "I attribute much of that to Kate."

So, when are dudes going to wear navy blue suits adorned in military medallions? Huh? I would like to see a Prince William effect on men. I'm so sick of flannel shirts.