There's an epidemic that's spreading across Britain – heck, the world – right now and shows no signs of stopping.

The 'Meghan Effect', as it's come to be known, is resulting in brands likes Burberry, Strathberry and Marks & Spencer selling out of their most-beloved designs in minutes, with women from Brighton to Bali desperate to recreate the Suits star's royal looks.

And now, New York-based designer Jason Wu has opened up about what it's like to know Markle will wear one of your designs for an official outing.

Meghan Markle | ELLE UKpinterest
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During a recent visit to Australia, Wu told News.com.au: 'When somebody like Meghan wears something of mine, the brand is instantly exposed to every corner of the globe and all eyes are on her. It's really incredible.'

Markle wore a blue satin wrap dress from the brand to the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London last month.

The brand is instantly exposed to every corner of the globe

Minutes later, the £1,415 dress sold out on Net-A-Porter (a few are still available here) and catapulted Wu's already well-known label into the headlines.

Blue Satin Wrap Dress | ELLE UKpinterest
Net-A-Porter

Discussing the 36-year-old bride-to-be's decision to wear his wrap dress, Wu said: 'She wanted that dress and I sent it to her. It was very simple. All my collaborations are very simple. It's the way I like to work. I'm very hands on.'

Wu and Markle reportedly met in Toronto several years ago, where the star was filming her legal drama Suits.

All my collaborations are very simple. It's the way I like to work.

'I had worked with her before. I'm Canadian and she previously lived and worked in Toronto and we kind of got connected through the fashion industry there,' the designer said.

Meghan Markle | ELLE UKpinterest
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On the question of whether he'll be the mastermind behind her bridal gown for her wedding on 19 May, Wu remained schtum.

'I have no details. I think when it comes to that, I'd rather be more confidential about my clients,' he revealed.

However, he did admit he was over-the-moon when it comes to influential women like Markle wearing his designs.

'We're are a moment in history where these inspirational women are more important than ever before,' Wu continued. 'I love it because through these women, the clothes take on a whole other meaning.

Jason Wu | ELLE UKpinterest
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'It's not just about looking amazing and feeling great. It says so much about the sartorial power than an outfit can bring.'

We're are a moment in history where these inspirational women are more important than ever before

Wu is no stranger to dressing some of the world's most iconic women, having designed several gowns for former US First Lady Michelle Obama, including the dress she wore with husband Barack Obama at the 2009 Inauguration Ball.

The dress was so famous, it now stands at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

Michelle Obama | ELLE UKpinterest
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'I have been incredibly fortunate to dress very inspiring women,' said the 35-year-old designer.

'In many ways, they were both in very important but also quite traditional roles and they really broke the glass ceiling.

'Both of them are real future thinkers and I feel really fortunate they appreciate my clothes, and are very encouraging of me.'

What we'd do for a Wu gown...

Click here to find out where to buy all of Meghan's iconic looks so far.