Do Fashion Brands' Bankruptcies Prove Meghan’s Sparkle Outshines Kate’s Mythical Popularity?
- L J Louis
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
If Kate Middleton is really as popular as people say, why don’t the brands she wears see the same success as those linked to Meghan Sussex and the so‑called “Markle Sparkle”? This question raises doubts about how powerful Kate’s influence really is in the fashion world. Whether you’re a Kate or a Meghan fan, the numbers don’t lie.
For years, the media has promoted the idea that anything Kate wears will sell out instantly and that she can boost a brand’s profile overnight. But when we look more closely at what has actually happened to many of the fashion labels she has supported, a different picture emerges.
Do Fashion Brands' Bankruptcies Prove Meghan’s Sparkle Outshines Kate’s Mythical Popularity?
As of early 2026, several fashion brands closely linked to Kate Middleton are either out of business or in serious financial trouble. These are brands that gained attention and prestige partly because Kate wore their clothes, carried their bags, or was photographed in their designs. In theory, this kind of royal exposure should have helped them grow and stay strong. Instead, a surprising number have collapsed or are now at risk.
This raises an important point about how celebrity and royal influence really work. Being seen on a famous person can give a brand short‑term buzz, but it doesn’t always translate into long‑term success, stable sales, or financial health. A single appearance, or even a handful of high‑profile moments, may not be enough to protect a company from changing tastes, rising costs, or tough competition.
It also suggests that Kate’s real commercial impact may be smaller than the press often claims. If her support were as powerful as advertised, we might expect more of these brands to be thriving instead of struggling or closing down. The gap between the glowing headlines and the hard financial reality is hard to ignore.
The truth is in the numbers: as of 2026, a growing list of fashion brands linked to Kate Middleton have recently collapsed or are currently at serious risk. This does not mean Kate is personally responsible for their problems, but it does challenge the idea that her endorsement guarantees success. She’s not as influential as we’ve been told. Especially when we compare her influence to the Meghan Effect, which often drives massive financial growth for brands that Meghan supports.
Do Fashion Brands' Bankruptcies Prove Meghan’s Sparkle Outshines Kate’s Mythical Popularity?
Fashion brands once linked to Kate Middleton that have gone out of business or are now facing major financial trouble.
LK Bennett: Once one of Kate’s most-worn high-street labels (famous for her "Sledge" pumps), the brand entered administration in January 2026. While retail giant Next is reportedly considering a bid to save the brand name, the company’s physical store network is at significant risk of closure.
Tabitha Webb: A "go-to" designer for Kate, known for vibrant silk dresses and pussybow blouses. In January 2026, it was confirmed that the brand had gone into voluntary liquidation with debts of over £700,000.
The Vampire’s Wife: A cult favorite Kate wore for the couple's official painted portrait and during their Caribbean tour. The brand, founded by Susie Cave, announced it was ceasing operations in May 2024 due to "insurmountable" debt following the pandemic.
Out of Business / Closed Down
Orla Kiely: Known as the "Queen of Prints," Kate wore her distinctive patterns on several royal engagements. The retail and wholesale side of the business collapsed and closed all stores in September 2018. (Note: The name lives on through home and licensing deals, but the standalone fashion brand is gone).
Issa London: The brand became world-famous when Kate wore their sapphire blue wrap dress for her 2010 engagement announcement. The "Kate Effect" actually overwhelmed the small brand; they struggled to keep up with production, and it eventually folded in 2015. The brand name was later acquired by House of Fraser as an in-house label.
Project D: A label co-founded by Tabitha Webb and Dannii Minogue that Kate wore in 2011/2012. The brand closed in 2013 shortly after Minogue left the partnership.
ALICE by Temperley: While the main Temperley London brand remains active, Kate frequently wore its more affordable diffusion line, ALICE by Temperley. This secondary line was permanently closed in 2014 to focus on the main luxury collection.
This trend invites a more honest conversation about royal influence, media narratives, and what really keeps a fashion brand alive. Popularity in the press does not always equal power at the cash register, and in Kate Middleton’s case, the struggling brands in her wake tell a more complicated story than the headlines suggest.
Do Fashion Brands' Bankruptcies Prove Meghan’s Sparkle Outshines Kate’s Mythical Popularity?