Kate Middleton’s coat sparks buying frenzy

To say Kate Middleton is influencing the fashion world of late is more than an understatement.

Burberry bosses would have been kicking up their high heels when Prince William's bride-to-be wore one of the label’s trenchcoats for a pancake-flipping session in Belfast.

And sure enough by donning the double-breasted coat (price tag over $1,000) for Tuesday's official engagements, Kate has unwittingly sparked another shopping frenzy.

In one day the British brand’s 'nude' version of the coat has completely sold out online in sizes four, six, eight and 10.

[Photos: See more of Kate in the instant-classic trenchcoat]

An Asda knockoff ($35) with the same frilled hem also saw sales soar by 300 percent in the same time.

The real version of the trenchcoat is part of Burberry's London, spring/summer 2011 collection which is – well, was – available in shops and online.

There are reportedly a few larger sizes left on the website in a darker grey colour.

Kate has a habit of dramatically increasing sales of whatever she wears, as shown when she chose high end label Issa’s London Sapphire dress as her public engagement outfit.

The dress ($618) sold out worldwide within 24 hours, and a Tesco replica ($25) sold out online one hour after it went on sale.

[Photos: See more knockoffs inspired by Kate's style]

This latest turn of events will no doubt have other designers following Victoria Beckham's lead by giving Kate their clothes.

Rumours are also fanning the fashion world this week that the 29-year-old will wed in an Alexander McQueen gown made by the label’s principal designer Sarah Burton.

Nothing is confirmed, but Burton didn't do much to dissuade viewers of this when she showcased her new collection with a ‘bridal’ twist in Paris on Tuesday – featuring eight-inch heels and metallic skulls caps.