Pippa Middleton dress inspires knockoff sale

Now, you too can look like a royal bridesmaid - for a bargain.



Knockoffs of the ivory, cowl neck dress that Pippa Middleton, 27, wore to the royal wedding of her sister Kate and Prince William in April are set to be sold at the UK department store chain Debenhams for 170 pounds sterling, or $277.



It is a fraction of the price of the original bridesmaid gown, which is estimated to have cost 20,000 pounds sterling, or $32,610. The duplicates are set to go on sale in September.



Middleton's original dress and her sister's wedding gown were designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Both sisters have become fashion icons and photos of them have been printed in publications all over the world.



Debenhams said in a statement obtained by OnTheRedCarpet.com that customer demand prompted its sale of the "limited edition version" of Middleton's bridesmaid dress, adding: "Our slender ivory gown is a slinky, cowl neck number. With its button-back detail and elegant cap sleeves, it is the epitome of chic."



Duplicates of the Duchess of Cambridge's dress have also hit stores since her April wedding. The original is is currently on display at Buckingham Palace until October.



Debenhams says that later this year, it will carry duplicates of an emerald green evening gown that Middleton "wore to the evening 'do," an ivory, "fairytale" flower girl dress, which features a lace trim, puff sleeves and a gold sash - "all inspired by Kate Middleton and her breathtaking bridal party."



"We have been inundated by customers asking if we have anything similar to the dresses worn by Kate, Pippa and the flower girls, but the ivory dress worn by Pippa is the most requested by far," the retailer's statemment quoted Alain Mehada, Chief Personal Shopper of Debenhams in Oxford Street, as saying.



"Both men and women everywhere were instantly talking about Pippa, so naturally brides-to-be will want to emulate her classic look - both for themselves or their bridesmaids," Mehada added.



Debenhams says those interested in a Pippa Middleton-inspired dress should email ladyinwaitinglist@debenhams.com.



Middleton's appearance at her sister's wedding earned her the unofficial title of "Her Royal Hotness," a website dedicated to her derriere and a 230,000 member-strong Facebook fan group.



Her notoriety has made her the subject of "Crazy About Pippa," a one-hour special set to air on TLC in August.