Sole Bliss said its Hero fashion trainers sold out in 24 hours after news that Camilla, 73, had bagged two pairs. The British firm, which makes footwear for women with bunions, said she picked one each in navy and black. It comes hot on the heels of the “Kate effect”, the phenomenon that sent sales of clothes worn by the Duchess of Cambridge soaring. A Sole Bliss spokesman said: “Our trainers sold out in under 24 hours and we have been inundated with requests.
“All our trainers are handmade in Italy and more will be arriving in the next two weeks.
“Much has been made of the ‘Kate Effect’. Now it’s the senior royal’s time to shine.”
Fans of the cushioned footwear include former models Katie Price and Kelly Brook and actresses Dame Helen Mirren, Viola Davis and Rebel Wilson.
Camilla previously bought 11 pairs of £149 heels by the same company and has worn them to numerous public engagements.
She has described “screaming in agony at the end of the day” on duty and three years ago admitted she could no longer wear high heels. She said: “That’s one thing I have to accept. I’ve gone down to two inches – can’t do it any more.”
Comment by Emma Johnson
With the news that Camilla has caused a run on trainers, could Kate’s status as queen of style be under threat?
The Duchess of Cornwall loves Sole Bliss’s £179 Hero design so much, she bought them in two colours.
This may be the first time we’ve seen the “Camilla effect” in such dramatic style, but the Royal Family’s influence on our wardrobes cannot be overstated.
When Princess Diana walked up the aisle almost 40 years ago in that huge fairytale gown, brides-to-be everywhere wanted giant wedding dresses.
More recently, a sheep-covered red jumper the young Di wore to a polo match in 1981 became a must-buy item after its makers recreated the £250 knit for Netflix hit The Crown.
Today, retailers brace themselves when Kate steps out in their designs. A blue Ghost dress she wore to clap for carers sold out, as did a £550 rose-print Beulah number she appeared in for her Mental Health Minute.
As for Camilla’s trainers, I’m putting my name on the waiting list for the leopard-print ones.
- Emma Johnson is a fashion writer
