The unofficial face of McQueen: Duchess of Cambridge steps out in another design by Sarah Burton

By Maysa Rawi





London was recently voted the fashion capital of the world thanks to the Kate Middleton effect and her love of Alexander McQueen.



And it seems the Duchess of Cambridge is also single-handedly raising the British label's profile.



For an official visit to Birmingham today, Kate wore another Sarah Burton design.



Radiant: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a pencil skirt and blouse by Alexander McQueen



In the navy: Kate opted for a brand new £1,375 outfit and her Prada blue court shoes





Known for fondness of recycling outfits, she this time opted for brand new attire.



Although Kate once favoured British label Issa, it is clear McQueen is now at the top of her list.



The brunette wore a navy blue £580 pencil skirt with gold button detailing teamed with a matching £795 cream blouse from the current collection.



Official duty: The Royal couple visited an area in Birmingham hit by last week's riots





Both items are available to buy online and it is surely only a matter of hours before they sell out.



Kate did however slip into blue Prada court shoes seen before during her trip to the U.S and Canada.



The outfit unsurprisingly bore a striking similarity to the McQueen coat she wore for to present medals to soldiers who recently returned from serving in Afghanistan.



Because she's worth it: Kate's hair was immaculately blow-dried as usual





Made-up: Kate has been criticised for her heavy use of eye-liner





Kate wore a similar outfit to present medals to soldiers who recently returned from serving in Afghanistan in June



Despite McQueen's reputation for outlandish designs - the late Alexander was known as the 'enfant terrible' of fashion - Kate has managed to find a collection of demure and subdued pieces.



The sharp tailoring and muted tones are typical of Kate's signature style but she become slightly more adventurous with her wardrobe choices.



However, she continues to divide opinion.



British designer Vivienne Westwood recently criticised the Duchess for her beauty routine, telling The Sunday Times she 'has a problem with eye make-up.



'The sharp line around her eyes make her look hard. Either she should be smudgy or wear none.'



Kellly Osbourne slammed Kate for repeating outfits on Jay Leno, claiming 'If I had that job I would only wear (the coat) once.



'I'm not going to wear that dress once because I'm giving up the rest of my life.'



Actress Anne Hathaway however defended Kate, praising her for 'dressing like a lady'.



It seems whatever Kate does, a debate will swiftly ensue.



And with the recent release of a Kate doll, she will now be a permanent fixture in people's homes.



Either way, she is doing wonders for her country - and the industry.



She contributed to London being voted the fashion capital of the world, replacing New York, according to a study by Global Language Monitor



Bekka Payack, fashion correspondent for the Texas-based organisation, said: 'We are seeing what the impact of two genuine media stars... Kate [Middleton] and Alexander McQueen can have upon a global ranking.'







source:dailymail