Cut price designers rush to create a copy of Kate's beautiful dress...

MOMENTS after Kate Middleton emerged from her car outside Westminster Abbey in a ball gown with lace sleeves, designers around the US, glued to their TV sets, were sketching her look, setting in motion a mad rush for mass-produced versions that are expected to be in stores as early as late June.

For brides-to-be who can't wait even four weeks, David's Bridal, the largest US bridal chain, was already trumpeting a strapless look from Oleg Cassini, paired with a lacey bolero jacket, on its website as an already available stand-in as it scrambled to push out modified knockoffs of the real thing to stores by September.

Already at work is “king of the copycats” Hollywood tailor Allen B Schwartz. Designers hate him – ­immediately after their most high- profile pieces are revealed, Schwartz and his team of seamstresses go to work, creating ­“inspired by” dresses at a knock-down price.

He is not the only one to get in on the act - replicas of Kate's dress are expected to hit the high street as early as next week.Asda and high street chain ­Peacocks are both poised to bring out their own versions and UK online fashion store ­www.i-want-that-dress.com is already selling a ­“stunning replica” for £349 reports The Mirror

The Duchess of Cambridge clearly scored a hit on  of her wedding day, but fashion experts say her elegant understated look, which featured a V-neck intricate lace bodice, is expected to bring back a new era of classic wedding dressing that was just starting to re-emerge in designers' collections.

In particular, her dress should spur a demand for lacey sleeves in all special-occasion wear and reverse the sexy strapless gowns that have been popular for several years. Many experts say that the Middleton's gown, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen's fashion house, even paid homage to what film star Grace Kelly wore on her wedding day to the Prince Rainier of Monaco more than 50 years ago.

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