It seems to be doing wonders for her career and her ability to crack a smile, but it seems Katie Holmes’ divorce from Tom Cruise is also good for business.

The New York Times says Katie’s fashion line Holmes &Yang has seen sales soar since she ended her marriage to the Mission: Impossible actor last month.

According to sales assistants in the US, sales of her clothes in stories like Bergdorf Goodman have increased significantly, with a former executive saying: “The way she’s getting photographed today, she’s in a position to get more exposure than ever before.”

Since her divorce, Katie – who gained primary custody of six-year-old daughter Suri – has been spotted in a number of her own designs (such as the one above) and fashion designer David Zyla described the split as a “dream publicity opportunity” for the clothes.

Combined with the label’s first appearance at New York Fashion week in September, the divorce could see a huge spike in sales for the designs at the beginning of next year.

"Katie's divorce and the masterful manner in which she handled it, is shining a light onto anything that she does at this moment,” he told Fox News.

"Provided that the collection is on-trend as well as purchased and merchandised well by the store buyers, I predict a tremendous amount of interest in the collection at the retail level when it hits stores next February.”

Best friends

Katie, 33, set up the fashion line with stylist Jeanne Yang after they met on the set of Batman Begins in 2005 and the pair set up the business in 2009.

We revealed last month how Jeanne has been one of two allies – with ex-boyfriend Chris Klein – that Katie has relied on throughout her divorce.

A close friend told us: “Jeanne is known for her friendliness. It’s a far cry from the isolation Katie had been used to during her marriage. She’s been an absolute rock for Katie.”

We’re glad to hear Katie’s pulling in the pounds – she’s going to need all the cash she can get to keep Suri in designer heels for the next 18 years…