When “The Devil Wears Prada” first debuted in theaters in 2006, the fashion industry was defined by low-rise jeans, baby tees, and printed fashion magazines. Now, two decades later, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” returned to theaters in a digital landscape dominated by social media and the internet, already accumulating $443 million in sales.
Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) has built a respected journalism career since leaving “Runway” magazine behind in the first film, but is unexpectedly laid off from her job at The Vanguard. Simultaneously, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) battles a scandal after “Runway” endorses a fashion brand tied to operating sweatshops. Andy is brought back into “Runway” in a new role as features editor to help reclaim the magazine’s reputation and respectability after giving an emotional speech about losing her job in the journalism industry.
Viewers immediately recognize Nigel Kiping (Stanley Tucci), who is the Art Director at “Runway” and Priestley’s right-hand man throughout the film. Audiences are also reunited with Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), the current Dior Executive, who previously worked as Priestley’s assistant. “Runway” is highly dependent on advertisers who sponsor its online content. Sachs, Priestly, Kiping, and Charlton are initially united when Sachs is tasked with creating content for Dior, all contributing to the effort to save “Runway” from their reputation crisis.
The return of the original cast helps reconnect audiences with the characters that made the first film so iconic, while also adding nostalgia for longtime fans.
“I like how the actors come back. I think it makes the story better and continues on with the storyline,” sophomore Addison Miska said.
With audience members excited about the reunion of the original cast and fans eager to reconnect with the world of fashion, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” received an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for entertainment value and enjoyment. The review is a testament to how the film addresses issues within the current fashion industry while also maintaining a nostalgic feel, but many fans argue that the sequel does not fully capture the original’s hype.
“I definitely think the first one was better. But for a sequel, it was a really good addition,” Miska said.
To bring new energy to “Runway,” the film features a fashion show set in Milan, Italy. The scene, a favorite among fans, features elaborate lighting design and a performance by Lady Gaga.
“I liked the fashion show. It was an amazing scene. I liked the song that Lady Gaga was singing when they were on the runway,” sophomore Kaitlyn McShea said.
Fashion once again plays a central role in the sequel, using designer collections and new trends to reflect the evolving world of fashion.
“I really enjoyed the New York style of the movie. I enjoyed seeing all of the different fashion styles that were incorporated in this movie,” sophomore Addison Black said.
Not only does fashion look different 20 years later, but the industry’s landscape has changed as well. With the decline of print media, the rise of AI in the fashion industry and the rise of digital media, the film is a tribute to how the fashion industry has remained a creative outlet for many.
“The movie addressed moving away from print magazines and physical media. I really thought it was interesting to see fashion changes since the first movie came out,” Black said.
As “The Devil Wears Prada 2” returns to audiences, the film captures the nostalgic feeling viewers have long anticipated while sharing the realities of today’s fashion industry. Whether audiences believe the sequel matches the success of the original film, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep prove they have never truly gone out of style.
