Royal Watch News

Duchess Catherine helps McQueen profits

Oct 2, 2012, 11:02 GMT

Duchess Catherine and Prince William

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge has been credited for Alexander McQueen's increased profits.

Duchess Catherine wore a wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen when she married Prince William last year and she is seen as the main reason behind the fashion house's 27 per cent increase in profits.

The brand announced a profit of £5 million and sales of £41 million for the year 2011, from directly operated stores in Britain, the US and Italy and the US wholesale market alone.

The figures - taken from research undertaken at Companies House - do not include sales from the brand's other international stores and global wholesale business, which make up a significant portion of the label's profits.

It's widely thought the attention the brand gained after Catherine - who was referred to as Kate Middleton before the couple's nuptials - wore her wedding dress has been a considerable factor in contributing to label's boosted sales.

Sarah recently revealed designing Duchess Catherine's wedding dress was a 'magical' experience.

The creative director says getting the prestigious commission to make the ivory gown for the royal nuptials was one of the most special events of her life.

She said: 'It was a precious, magical time that I'll always treasure, and I feel like she gave me a gift in many ways. I feel incredibly privileged.'