There may be an entire ocean between England and the United States, but when it comes to fashion, British style tends to influence American fashion every season regardless of distance or cultural zeitgeist.
With the upcoming wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, more eyes than ever are focused on what the future princess will wear, what her wedding dress will look like and the degree to which she will sway fashion. Already the outfits Kate wears to public events are knocked off and sold out within days at British retailers.
British style has long inspired American designs. The most recognizable fashion era informed by events across the pond was the 1960s.
Mod style reigned on the streets of London through the mid-'60s, and soon girls everywhere were copying the look with little shift A-line dresses, colorful tights, knee-high boots and bright prints.
Today, one of the big spring trends is floral prints, reminiscent of an English garden, with tiny buds of many varieties. Designers such as Rodarte and Dolce & Gabbana are showing bouquets in bright colors and exotic prints.
Combining these elements of traditional British design with modern trends that sell the world over are famous English designers such as Stella McCartney and Luella Bartley, who have designed affordable lines for mass retailer Target.
English designer Matthew Williamson just unveiled a new collection for Impulse at Macy's that features his fresh take on jet-set glamour made wearable for girls on the street.
"We are seeing a revival of British fashion," said Elizabeth Wellington, fashion columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, during a telephone interview. "British style has influenced American styles in that trendy-grungy look."
Wellington cited the popularity of British clothes retailer Topshop, an English version of H&M, gaining attention in America.
"It's the chic look of a downtown girl that can easily take her daywear into evening," Wellington said.
This downtown girl is always the muse of Burberry, an English fashion house that produces variations on the trench coat every season, while never straying too far from its classic British version of the wardrobe staple.
For fall, Burberry presented a stud-encrusted leather biker trench, a look more punk than pretty.
The March issue of Vogue profiled Christopher Bailey, Burberry's chief creative director since 2009. He is credited for helping transform Burberry into one of the most digitally savvy fashion brands in the industry. Burberry has been called "the most widely followed fashion brand on Facebook." With more than 5 million fans, it remains a social media giant and worldwide leader in the industry.
The leader of modern British couture was the late Alexander McQueen, whose death a year ago is still mourned by both fashion insiders and those who marveled at the skill and artistry of McQueen's designs.
McQueen took inspiration from his working-class roots, and remains a fashion giant for combining elements in his designs that were both traditional and groundbreaking.
"British fashion is both classic and eccentric," said Elizabeth Hine, owner of Hinesite Vintage on Walnut Street in Lancaster.
"McQueen was known for his eccentricity. Look at punk rock — that has always been a part of American style."
Hine was born in England and calls herself a "complete Anglophile."
Her shop is celebrating the royal wedding by having a party Friday, April 29. Hine said anyone who wears a "hat or tiara deemed appropriate for a royal wedding" will receive 20 percent off a purchase.
Whether leading the way on Facebook or in the streets, British influence permeates American fashion today on all levels.
The new focus on a modern fairy tale wedding will only increase the attention paid to England's role in the fashion world.
"It will be very interesting to see how Kate influences fashion," Wellington said.
"She has a sophisticated look, but is also young. Being a royal will dictate her style, but you can tell she wants to remain classy and fashionable. What will she do next? I guess we will wait and see."
Hine said the classic style of Middleton will inspire woman to dress in a more sophisticated way.
"She will have a huge influence on women worldwide. Even in our modern times, everybody wants to be a princess."
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