Middleton Mania

Kate Middleton has sparked a fashion revolution across the pond. New Yorkers are all going gaga for her manicured, preened look, and it's a little terrifying. 

Yup, she's got nice hair. Her skin's pretty flawless too, and she looks like she takes very good care of her figure. Sure, she's very attractive, beautiful even, but she's hardly a style individual. Her polished, ironed-out look has a Carla Bruni ring to it, post the Sarko marriage. It's a perfect look for the wife of a statesman or respected public figure, but for the everyday life of the ladies of NYC? I think not.

Where is the individuality of Carrie Bradshaw and her cronies? Why can't we still see Holly Golightly taking breakfast at Tiffany's in Givenchy and Diamonds? Have they both had chestnut hair extensions, teeth whitening and a personality-free makeover? Does every one of the successful careerwomen in New York want to be married to a slightly balding toff, one who is doubtless perfectly charming (and a prince, I'll give him that), but one they've never met?

But then, I suppose she's a better role model than many of today's celebrities. She's educated, poised, refined, elegant, and is going to commit herself to two centuries-old traditions: Marriage and the British Monarchy. She does not regularly expose her privates, or throw baked beans at the press. What we see, however, is the inoffensive public front; why are people so desperate to emulate that? The real Kate Middleton doubtless wouldn't wear her Sapphire-Blue Issa dress for brunch with her St Andrews chums, and might even tie her hair in a ponytail once in a while. 

And on a more serious note, why is it that people only seek to emulate the sartorial qualities of celebrities and not their philanthropic ventures? As Sean Penn wakes up for another day living in ravaged Haiti, why are fans not whipping out their chequebooks? 

A tad sad, no? But perhaps in time, and by wearing 'charitable clothing' or using a hairdresser that donates 50% of its revenue to charity, Kate will be able to use her looks for the greater good. Until then, I pity the bored NYC salon directors cutting an identikit style on every single twenty-something that walks through their door. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11959566