Anna Wintour’s Honest Opinion: The Devil Wears Prada
- The former editor-in-chief of Vogue discusses the 2006 film inspired by her time at the magazine, offering new insights into its portrayal of fashion and power.
- Following the appointment of her successor, Edward Enninful, as editor-in-chief of vogue, Anna Wintour has shown a willingness to discuss the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada...
- Weisberger's novel sold over a million copies in its first year, capitalizing on a public fascination with the inner workings of the high-fashion world.
Anna Wintour Reflects on “The Devil Wears Prada” and Her Legacy at Vogue
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The former editor-in-chief of Vogue discusses the 2006 film inspired by her time at the magazine, offering new insights into its portrayal of fashion and power.
The Film’s Origins: From Page to Screen
Following the appointment of her successor, Edward Enninful, as editor-in-chief of vogue, Anna Wintour has shown a willingness to discuss the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada with greater openness. The film, based on lauren Weisberger’s 2003 bestselling novel, draws heavily from Weisberger’s experiences as a personal assistant to Wintour at Vogue.
Weisberger’s novel sold over a million copies in its first year, capitalizing on a public fascination with the inner workings of the high-fashion world. The story centers on Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, an aspiring writer who lands a job at Runway magazine, a thinly veiled stand-in for Vogue, and navigates the demanding world under the watchful eye of its formidable editor-in-chief.
Miranda Priestly: A Character Born of Observation
Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief character widely believed to be inspired by Wintour, became iconic. Streep received an Academy Award nomination for her performance, cementing Priestly as a cultural shorthand for uncompromising and demanding leadership. The character’s influence extends beyond fashion, becoming a symbol of tough-to-please bosses across various industries.
For years, Wintour maintained a reserved stance when addressing the film. However, during a recent appearance on The New yorker Radio Hour with David Remnick, she offered a more nuanced viewpoint.
Wintour’s Perspective: Acknowledging the Film’s Impact
Wintour acknowledged the film’s lasting impact and the public’s enduring fascination with the character of Miranda priestly. She admitted that while the film wasn’t entirely accurate, it captured a certain truth about the pressures and demands of the fashion industry. She specifically noted the long hours and the intense dedication required to maintain Vogue’s position as a leading fashion publication.
“It was a heightened reality,of course,” Wintour stated,according to reports from the interview. “But it did capture the intensity and the dedication that was required to work at Vogue.”
The Evolution of Vogue Under Wintour
Anna Wintour served as editor-in-chief of Vogue for over three decades, beginning in 1988. During her tenure, she transformed the magazine from a struggling publication into a global fashion powerhouse. She is credited with modernizing Vogue and elevating its influence on fashion trends and popular culture.
Here’s a snapshot of Vogue’s circulation during Wintour’s leadership:
| Year | Average Circulation (US) |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 860,000 |
| 1995 | 1,250,000 |
| 2000 | 1,270,000 |
| 2010 | 1,300,000 |
| 2023 (Final Issue under Wintour) | 1,180,000 |
Data source: Statista and MediaRadar.