The fashion community is on tenterhooks as The Devil Wears Prada 2 officially begins production, almost two decades after the first film took box offices by storm and became an overnight fashion icon. With Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt set to reprise their legendary roles, and sneak peeks of early costume design already building momentum, the sequel is guaranteed a cutthroat and chic exploration of how the business has changed. Whether it’s a sense of nostalgia or the prospect of a new fashion fantasy, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is poised to return to the spotlight with an unwavering attitude and elegance.
The original film, based loosely on Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name, became more than just a box-office hit. It served as a cultural reset, reshaping how mainstream audiences viewed high fashion, office politics, and power dressing. At its centre was Miranda Priestly—the imperious, impeccably dressed editor-in-chief believed to be inspired by Anna Wintour—whose every arched eyebrow and scathing “That’s all” has lived rent-free in our heads ever since.
Now, The Devil Wears Prada 2 finds Miranda facing the slow death of print media and a power shift toward the influencers, algorithms, and Gen Z creatives disrupting the industry. Word is, Emily Charlton (Blunt’s sharp-tongued assistant-turned-stylist) is now a fashion PR maven, and the sequel may even follow her complex journey navigating new-school digital media with old-school chic. The question remains whether Anne Hathaway will reprise her role as Andy Sachs, but sources indicate that negotiations are currently underway.
From a fashion perspective, what is most exciting is the early look at the wardrobe. Vogue recently released a slideshow featuring costumes designed by Patricia Field’s protégé, who is not returning herself. The preview suggests that the sequel will maintain the same level of visual opulence as the first. Miranda is seen in longline coats in crisp ivory, carved silhouettes, and a less-is-more luxury colour palette. Emily’s fashion, on the other hand, is bolder: textured suit jackets in gem colours, padded shoulders, and stiletto heels capable of shattering egos.
There is a definite commentary woven through the appearances: the old guard of fashion embracing restraint and legacy codes, while the new wave experiments with bright colour, digital print, and even AI-generated accessories. It’s a nod to the clash of eras and egos we’ll undoubtedly see play out on screen.
Beyond the fashion, the sequel comes at a time when the industry itself is under fire. Sustainability, diversity, and labour ethics have taken centre stage, and it remains to be seen whether the film will address these themes or stick to the stylised, sometimes ruthless gloss of its predecessor. While the original reflected the culture and values of its era, today’s world is more fast-paced, diverse, and socially aware, with shifting attitudes towards fashion, media, and power.
Even with all the changes in how we see and consume fashion, the allure of style-driven storytelling and high-glamour escapism continues to captivate us. In an age of athleisure trends, the movie could be a nostalgic return to fashion as theatre — a world where a handbag is not just an accessory but a weapon, and an outfit says more than words ever could.
Whether you loved the original for its savage wit, its sartorial eye candy, or simply for Meryl Streep’s devilishly restrained performance, the sequel promises to deliver a high dose of fashion drama—with a modern twist. And if nothing else, it’s a chance to revisit the holy grail of power dressing and remember why we fell in love with fashion in the first place.
