Wilbur and who? The Middleton sisters put obscure handbag brand on the map... where every style is named after the owners' pet dogs

PUBLISHED: 10:30 EST, 14 September 2012 | UPDATED: 10:39 EST, 14 September 2012

Handbags by the relatively unknown label Wilbur & Gussie have become among the most wanted accessories around since receiving the seal of approval from both the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton.

Interest in the brand’s glittering diamante 'Charlie' clutch bag has surged since the Duchess of Cambridge was pictured carrying it during a Paralympics bash and while attending an engagement at the Istana Negara Palace in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Her younger sibling is also a proud owner of the handbag, and fashionistas keen to get their hands on the top-selling item may be surprised to learn that it is actually named after a cat.

Famous fan: The Duchess of Cambridge carries a Wilbur & Gussie 'Charlie' clutch while attending an engagement at the Istana Negara Palace in Malaysia

Publicity to die for: The Duchess of Cambridge has worn the bag on a number of occasions, including while attending the opening of the Paralympics (right)

In fact all of the bags by the London-based label are named after the pets of creators Brett Tyne and Lucy Lyons.

The childhood friends explain their decision to name the 'Charlie' clutch after a blue Burmese cat on their official website.

‘He's a bit of a show-stopper due to his striking good looks, but not inherently an attention seeker,’ write the twosome. ‘He won the title for two simple reasons: he's quietly confident and head turningly handsome.’

Keeping it in the family: Pippa Middleton shows off her Wilbur & Gussie clutches

The name Wilbur & Gussie also comes from their beloved animals.

Bestselling: The Wilbur & Gussie 'Charlie' bag is priced at £150

‘Wilbur & Gussie were our family pets when we were growing up, and therefore integral parts of our childhood,’ the pair add.

‘Naming our business proved to be no easy task, until we came up with the idea to incorporate their names.

‘Regal mongrel cat Wilbur reflects what's elegant and refined about us, and Gussie, the strong minded Westie, mirrors what's bold, and occasionally off-the-wall. ‘

The Duchess of Cambridge and her sister also both own the gold ‘Edith’ clutch bag, which is named after a Border terrier.

Wilbur & Gussie bags retail from £140 to £38.