The Devil Wears Prada 2: Fashion, Icons, and Industry Revolution Explored

The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 fashion-industry satire, has arrived with a wardrobe that both honors its predecessor and reflects the evolution of the fashion world over the past two decades. Costume designer Molly Rogers, who returned for the sequel, has revealed how the film’s sartorial choices mirror shifts in power, influence, and aesthetics within the industry. From paying tribute to the late Giorgio Armani to revisiting the iconic cerulean sweater scene, Rogers’ work underscores how the film’s fashion narrative has adapted to a landscape where luxury brands, not magazine editors, now hold the reins.

The Cerulean Sweater’s Legacy

One of the most memorable moments in the original Devil Wears Prada was Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) scathing monologue about the cerulean sweater, a scene that dissected the hierarchical nature of fashion and the invisible influence of editors like Anna Wintour. In the sequel, Rogers revisits the cerulean palette—not as a symbol of editorial dominance, but as a nod to the democratization of fashion. “We wanted to acknowledge the original scene while showing how the industry has changed,” Rogers told WWD. “The cerulean sweater in the first film was about power dynamics. In the sequel, it’s about how that power has shifted.”

The sequel’s cerulean moments are subtler, woven into the fabric of the film’s updated narrative. Where the original film used the sweater to illustrate Miranda’s control over the fashion ecosystem, the sequel employs the color to highlight the rise of influencers, digital media, and luxury brands as the new arbiters of taste. “It’s no longer just about what Miranda says,” Rogers explained. “It’s about what the brands want, what the algorithms favor, and what the audience demands.”

Honoring Giorgio Armani

Rogers also revealed that the sequel’s wardrobe pays homage to the late Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who passed away in 2025. Armani’s influence on the original film was significant—his designs were a staple in Miranda Priestly’s closet, symbolizing the timeless elegance of high fashion. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Armani’s legacy is honored through a series of tailored suits and minimalist gowns that reflect his signature aesthetic. “We wanted to include a quiet tribute to him,” Rogers said. “His work was such a big part of the first film, and his passing was a moment for the industry to reflect on his impact.”

The film’s costume team worked closely with the Armani archives to ensure the designs were authentic. While the sequel doesn’t feature Armani as a character, his presence is felt in the meticulous tailoring and understated luxury of the garments. “It was important to us that his influence wasn’t lost,” Rogers added. “He was a giant in the industry, and his work continues to inspire.”

A Fashion World in Flux

The sequel’s plot revolves around Miranda Priestly’s struggle to navigate the decline of print publishing and the rise of digital media. This shift is mirrored in the film’s fashion choices, which reflect the broader changes in the industry. According to The Guardian, the film depicts a world where luxury brands have “turned the tables” on magazine editors, once the gatekeepers of fashion. “The first film was about the power of editors like Miranda,” screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna told The Guardian. “The sequel is about how that power has been redistributed. Brands are now the ones calling the shots.”

This revolution is evident in the film’s wardrobe. Where the original Devil Wears Prada featured a mix of high-end designer pieces and aspirational fashion, the sequel leans into a more eclectic, modern aesthetic. Rogers incorporated pieces from emerging designers alongside established luxury brands, reflecting the industry’s embrace of diversity and innovation. “Fashion is no longer just about what’s on the runway,” Rogers said. “It’s about what’s trending on TikTok, what’s sustainable, and what resonates with a younger audience.”

The film’s premiere in London last week underscored this shift. At the event, held at the National Gallery, guests included fashion editors from across Europe, but also influencers, designers, and digital content creators. Donatella Versace, who made a cameo in the film, was spotted mingling with the cast, a symbol of the industry’s new guard. “It’s ironic that the sequel is being celebrated by the very people it satirizes,” McKenna noted. “But that’s the point—the industry has changed, and the film reflects that.”

Meryl Streep’s Miranda: A Modern Icon

Meryl Streep’s return as Miranda Priestly has been a focal point of the sequel’s promotion. At the London premiere, Streep’s red satin Prada coat—a nod to the film’s title—became an instant talking point. But it was her interaction with Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton, that stole the show. Streep was photographed giving Blunt’s gown a critical once-over, a moment that went viral and was widely interpreted as a playful nod to Miranda’s infamous eye for detail. People described the moment as “pure Miranda Priestly,” capturing the character’s unshakable authority.

Streep’s portrayal of Miranda in the sequel has been praised for its nuance. While the character remains formidable, the film explores her vulnerability as she grapples with the decline of print media and the rise of digital influencers. “Miranda is still Miranda, but the world around her has changed,” Streep told The New York Times. “She’s had to adapt, and that’s what makes her interesting.”

The sequel also reunites the original cast, including Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling. Hathaway’s return to the role of Andy, now a more seasoned journalist, has been met with enthusiasm from fans. At the premiere, Hathaway and Blunt were photographed alongside Donatella Versace, further emphasizing the film’s blend of old and new fashion influences. “It’s been incredible to see how the industry has evolved since the first film,” Hathaway said in an interview with WWD. “The sequel feels like a natural progression.”

The Role of Sustainability

Sustainability, a growing concern in the fashion industry, also plays a role in the sequel’s wardrobe. Rogers revealed that the costume team made a conscious effort to incorporate sustainable materials and vintage pieces into the film’s designs. “We wanted to reflect the industry’s shift toward sustainability,” she said. “It’s no longer just about looking good—it’s about doing good, too.”

The film’s approach to sustainability aligns with broader industry trends. Luxury brands and fast-fashion retailers alike have faced increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, and the sequel’s wardrobe choices reflect this reality. “Fashion is at a crossroads,” Rogers noted. “The sequel is a snapshot of where the industry is now and where it’s headed.”

A Cultural Moment

The release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been hailed as a cultural moment for the fashion industry. The film’s premiere events have drawn comparisons to the original’s impact, with The New York Times reporting that Meryl Streep, Anna Wintour, and Lady Gaga were among those who toasted the sequel’s success. The film’s blend of satire and homage has resonated with audiences, particularly younger viewers who have grown up in a digital-first fashion landscape.

For Gen Z fashion insiders, the sequel is more than just a movie—it’s a reflection of their own experiences in the industry. “The first film was a fantasy for a lot of us,” said Kalina Wojcicka, a Gen Z fashion writer who covered the sequel for Her World. “The sequel feels more grounded in the reality of today’s fashion world, where influencers and sustainability matter just as much as high couture.”

As the film continues its global rollout, its fashion choices are likely to spark further conversation about the industry’s future. With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, The Devil Wears Prada 2 serves as both a love letter to the original and a commentary on how far the fashion world has come—and how much further it has to go.