Kate Middleton Helps Open A New Maternity Wear Boutique

The Duchess of Cambridge has helped maternity wear label Seraphine open a new store

Kate Middleton may no longer be in any need of maternity clothes (for now at least), but that hasn't stopped her boosting the fortunes of London-based boutique, Seraphine.

It's no secret that Kate has a lot of influence over the British high street: if Kate is seen wearing something, it will no doubt sell out within hours. 

This is exactly what happened when the Duchess chose to wear pieces from Seraphine, which she frequently did throughout her pregnancy and shortly afterwards. The purple Seraphine dress she was pictured wearing in the first portrait of the new parents with Prince George, was an instant sell-out.

And now, partly thanks to what has been dubbed by the retail industry as 'the Kate effect', Cecile Reinaud - the founder and desgner of Seraphine - has been able to open a third store in west London.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Reinaud said: 'We have been waiting for a long time for a shop to become vacant in Marylebone, and then, finally, it did. I think we got bumped to the top of the list because of the Duchess [of Cambridge], who is a big fan of the label.'

'There were five retailers waiting to get this space, but we got it, so we are very happy.'

And it's not just Kate who's a fan of Reinaud's designs: Jessica Alba, Angeline Jolie and Sienna Miller have all dressed their baby bumps on Seraphine, too.

So if you're in need of some stylish maternity wear, you know where to look...

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