Apparently Kate Middleton is not a fashion icon. One can hear the crowds angrily whispher "Blasphemy!"

The word came from a U.S. fashion expert. Speaking at New York Fashion Week, the fashion director of the U.S. retail chain Nordstrom, Gregg Andrews, said Middleton was a follower of style, "not a trendsetter," the UK's Daily Mail reported.

"She is stylish, but she's not setting trends. She's following trends," he said. "If you take Kate out of the royal family, put her on a street in New York, you wouldn't look at her twice. She's a beautiful woman, but she blends into a crowd."

But some in the industry differ.

Elle Fashion News Director Anne Slowey believes Middleton's influence is undeniable.

"Is she a style icon of the likes of a Kate Moss? Absolutely not," she said. "Is she in the public eye? Are people going to become obsessed with everything she wears regardless of what it is? Yes."

Various opinions aside, Middleton seems to have a style approach that the has captured the public.

Her wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for British label Alexander McQueen, has attracted almost 400,000 people while on display at Buckingham Palace and during the royal couple's trip to Canada and the U.S. in July, all eyes were on her wardrobe.

Saks Fifth Avenue Senior Fashion Director Colleen Sherin said Middleton's style could be aspirational for many women.

"She seems to be starting to experiment a bit, to try some different looks and some different designers, which I like to see, but also still remaining thoughtful and appropriate in her choices and that's the key to her success," she said.

In response to Andrews' criticism, this writer shall defend Kate Middleton. Setting trends is one honour possibly, but surely there is nothing wrong with a safe, demure style which flirts with sassy and flirty? Middleton is using tried and tested fashion paths, and for a beginner that is admirable way to be and to avoid mistakes, embarrassment or ridicule.

If Kate were someone like Lady Gaga or Madonna we could expect to see her being more daring but let's give the girl a break - she is a member of the royal family. So if she doesn't step out with silver antlers or high heels which dig trenches into the ground, surely that's no reason to bite her head off?

Keep up the good work, Kate!