Devil Wears Prada: Industry Now Embraces Film

The 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada," initially released to critical acclaim and financial success, was met with skepticism by fashion insiders. Many in the industry, including those at Vogue, viewed the film's costumes as unrealistic caricatures of fashion people. Anna Wintour, the inspiration for the character Miranda Priestly, reportedly ignored the film initially, despite its basis in her former assistant's novel.

However, over the two decades since its release, perspectives have significantly shifted. The fashion and publishing industries, now facing struggles, see value in the film's cultural phenomenon. Brands are actively participating in the sequel's marketing, with tie-ins from Starbucks to Old Navy, and even reissuing iconic pieces like the Chanel boots.

Vogue has embraced the sequel, with Anna Wintour appearing on its May cover with Meryl Streep and attending the premiere. While a spokesperson clarified no financial ties, the industry's engagement highlights a shift from past criticism to current collaboration. The sequel's costume designer, Molly Rogers, aims to balance brand collaborations with character integrity, noting Dior's openness to dressing Emily.

Despite some fashion critics finding the sequel's looks similar to the original, the film's maximalist aesthetic has influenced other productions and has become iconic, with original costumes now fetching high prices on resale sites. The shift reflects a broader trend where nostalgia and celebrity influence shape fashion consumption, moving away from traditional magazine-driven trends.