Ever since the opening chords of KT Tunstall’s ‘Suddenly I See’ introduced Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), an aspiring journalist looking for her big break in The Big Apple, The Devil Wears Prada (2006) captivated fashion fans around the world.

The film also gave us assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) and art director Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci). The ‘devil’ of The Devil Wears Prada, editor-in-chief of Runway Miranda Priestly, is played with quiet, intimidating authority by Meryl Streep – who we often see brokering business from the office, her home and the backseat of a Mercedes-Benz S‑Class.

Two decades on, the world Miranda ruled through her unrivalled taste, withering looks and cutting remarks looks entirely different. And not just on the screen. The Devil Wears Prada 2 shines a light on what has endured in fashion, style and luxury since the original film – and what’s changed.

From 2006 style trends to character-driven looks

An array of iconic 2006 style trends featured heavily in the original film, including blazers – patterned, embellished and in a variety of textures from crepe to suede – layered necklaces, statement leather bags, animal prints, pinstripe suiting, block-coloured and tactile patterned winter coats, and oversized belts cinching in dresses, blouses and skirts. The clothes from The Devil Wears Prada embodied and reflected a collective appreciation of fashion and the expressive ability of personal style in the early 2000s.

In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Andy has returned to the beloved magazine and stepped into the role of Runway’s features editor. Costume designer Molly Rogers says she wanted the character’s clothes to reflect Andy’s life experience.

“It was natural to reach for feminine menswear because it carried the DNA of where the first movie dropped off,” she says in a Behind The Fashion of The Devil Wears Prada 2 featurette. Jean Paul Gaultier, Armani Prive and Maison Martin Margiela are just some that are worn by the more mature woman comfortable in her skin."

Emily, on the other hand, has risen to chief communications officer at Dior – and in a flipping of the original narrative, Miranda is now the one knocking at her door. In the featurette, Emily Blunt observes that her character “deliberately wears clothes to pull focus”. Form-fitting, bold and delivered with playful panache, Emily’s wardrobe reflects a character realising her own power and influence.

Meanwhile, creative director Nigel continues to wear suits that are reliably sophisticated and distinctive, showcasing the endurance of timeless style regardless of trends. The art of craftsmanship may seem niche in a world of fast fashion, but the appreciation of it has never wavered. As Stanley Tucci notes, “there’s a certain flamboyance to [Nigel] but it can’t be over the top. His clothes can be very layered when it comes to texture or pattern but it’s very specific.”

What The Devil Wears Prada 2 says about style and luxury in 2026

While the fashion of the original film has been reimagined in the sequel, arguably the biggest shift in the 20 years since has been technological innovation. Social media, digital publishing and e-commerce have signalled the rise of influencers, algorithm-led trends and an increased awareness of the impact of fast fashion. It’s a conundrum that The Devil Wears Prada 2 highlights – how traditional media is finding its place in this digital-first landscape, and the place of designer fashion in a world full of noise.

Upon the release of The Devil Wear Prada 2, Meryl Streep appeared on the cover of American Vogue with the woman who is widely believed to have inspired her character – Anna Wintour. Anna details her relationship to the film, where the fashion industry sits and the space media now occupies.

“What I liked about the first film is that it showed the world what a huge business fashion is. It’s a true economic force globally, and the first film acknowledged that. So much has changed,” she says. “We’re all doing our jobs – in different ways and across multiple platforms instead of just one, but how wonderful is that? We’re reaching far more people.”

While influencers and social media play an important role in creating content and commentary to engage with, traditional fashion brands that continue to innovate and serve their ever-evolving audience are those that remain relevant and trusted.

For Meryl, as stated in the featurette, the sequel sees "a freer Miranda, unrestrained but still authoritative”. Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada 2 may wear the custom red Balenciaga ball gown but she is also likely to don a Dries Van Noten tassel jacket in the office. She continues to embody quiet luxury.

Two icons: Miranda and Mercedes-Benz

Through The Devil Wears Prada 2 lens, style is about remaining true to oneself – whether it’s in Versace or vintage pieces – and placing faith in proven creativity, craftsmanship and skill.

It’s something Miranda embodies effortlessly – even in her choice of vehicle, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. From navigating the streets of New York to the hand-stitched calm of its MANUFAKTUR interior, the vehicle is refined and uncompromising, capturing not only her presence, but also the idea that true luxury doesn't follow trends. It outlasts them.