Prada's revenge: fashion's shocking turn after 20 years of satire
The National Gallery became the unlikely backdrop for a glittering post-premiere party, a bizarrely triumphant return for The Devil Wears Prada. Donatella Versace, predictably, reigned supreme, overseeing a decadent display of extravagance – caviar with fried chicken, a pointed commentary on the industry’s current trajectory.
A decade of mockery, now a celebration
Twenty years after Lauren Weisberger’s controversial exposé, the sequel, directed by David Frankel, is not a damning critique, but a lavish celebration. The film, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, explores Runway magazine’s struggle against the decline of print, mirroring the very industry that once mocked it. It’s a stunning about-face, fueled by a renewed appetite for glamour and a willingness to embrace the past – albeit a past fueled by considerable commercial success.
Industry reconfigured: power dynamics shift
Aline Brosh McKenna, screenwriter for the film, observed the industry’s surprising embrace: “It has kind of blown our minds how much we have been embraced by businesses that we poked fun at in the first movie and continue to poke fun at in the second movie.” This shift highlights a fundamental change in the media landscape – the erosion of gatekeeping and the rise of commercial partnerships. Editors, once dictating trends with absolute authority, now navigate a world where brand influence reigns supreme.
Price hikes and enduring icons
The financial implications are striking. A Chanel jacket worn in 2006, once costing around $4,800, now commands a staggering £6,430 – an 80% increase. Similarly, a Fendi Baguette, priced at $1,500 then, is now available for £2,750. Even seemingly minor items, like a Jimmy Choo sandal, have witnessed dramatic price hikes. “You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos,” Emily Charlton famously declared – a sentiment that now feels both ironic and acutely relevant.
Streep and wintour: a new mythology
But beyond the economics, the film underscores the enduring power of Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour. Their joint appearance on the cover of American Vogue, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, isn’t just a publicity stunt; it’s a deliberate assertion of their continued influence. Streep, now 76, and Wintour, also 76, represent a generation that has defied expectations and cultivated lasting personal brands. This latest collaboration solidifies their position as Fashion’s enduring icons – a testament to a business where longevity and influence are paramount. Frankel aptly summarized, “Fashion creates these iconic women with staying power.”
A future in flux
As AI looms large, the Fashion industry – and Hollywood – faces an uncertain future. But amidst the disruption, the allure of beauty and glamour remains remarkably consistent. The success of The Devil Wears Prada 2 suggests that, despite the challenges, Fashion will continue to captivate and redefine our identities – a potent and surprisingly resilient force in a rapidly changing world.