by: Gowri Sunil
Local Editor

Almost 20 years after the iconic Devil Wears Prada movie broad-

cast the fashion industry to the world, the sequel, Devil Wears Prada 2, revisits a completely transformed industry.

Much of the original cast returns for the sequel, including Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel. Additionally, the sequel brings in new members, including Simone Ashley as Priestly’s new first assistant, Luci Liu as Sasha Barnes, Justin Theroux as Benji Barnes, and B.J. Novak as Runway’s new corporate executive.

The first movie was released in 2006, back when fashion magazines dictated the trends. The editors-in-chief, like the cold and intimidating Priestly, played powerful roles in the process, making jobs under them, like at Runway, especially demanding. The original Devil Wears Prada movie reflected this environment, and dove into the ambition and consequent personal sacrifices of the Runway’s workforce. On top of its portrayal of the demanding and toxic work environment, the original film also created famous lines like “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking” and “A million girls would kill for this job,” lines that have been permanently woven into pop culture.

One of the first film’s biggest moments was Priestley’s cerulean sweater remark, insisting that clothes aren’t “just blue” but instead important decisions by the fashion industry that shape everyday clothing. At the time, the dialogue reflected the prestige such publications held in culture. However, in 2026, that power now lies in the social media algorithms and influencers, which Devil Wears Prada 2 captures.

With social media’s popularity and influence on the fashion world, the sequel moves away from the hierarchical aspect of Runway and instead focuses on the challenges the new era of fashion brings to traditional magazines like Runway and their staff. The move opens with Andy Sachs now as a reputable journalist, no longer working under Priestley. However, when Sachs is unexpectedly laid off, she reluctantly returns to work at the Runway, where Priestly is facing problems of her own. When threats to the magazine’s future arise, the two work together to salvage Priestly’s relevance in the transforming industry and Sach’s job. The Radio Times describes the setting as one where “the print magazine is tanking; numbers are down, it’s nearly all gone digital, and everything is about clicks.”

Already, the new film has found immense success, and the LA Times notes that the movie has so far made $77 million domestically and $233.6 million globally. In addition, the original movie encountered a major surge in viewers in the run-up to the sequel’s release. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has viewers hooked before they even step into the theater. Beyond its undeniable nostalgia, the movie resonates with its response to the current generation’s idea of the fashion world.

(Sources: LA Times, Radio Times)