The Devil Wears Prada 2: What to Expect from the Sequel’s Groundbreaking Costume Design
As the fashion world buzzes with anticipation for The Devil Wears Prada 2, one element stands out above the rest: the costumes. The original 2006 film, directed by David Frankel and starring Meryl Streep as the formidable Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as her wide-eyed assistant Andy Sachs, did not merely feature clothes—it worshipped them. Patricia Field’s wardrobe choices turned everyday viewing into a masterclass in high fashion, propelling the movie into cult status and influencing red carpet trends for years. Now, with Disney confirming the sequel’s development in July 2024, fans and industry insiders alike are dissecting every rumour about how the costumes will evolve. Will they recapture that razor-sharp glamour, or push boundaries into 2020s luxury? Early signs point to a wardrobe that could redefine cinematic fashion once more.
The announcement, fresh off the heels of Jersey Boys composer John August’s involvement in the script alongside original screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, has ignited speculation. Streep and Hathaway are set to reprise their roles, with Emily Blunt potentially returning as Emily Charlton. Set over a decade after the original, the story promises to explore the characters’ matured lives amid a transformed media landscape—social media influencers challenging traditional magazines like Runway. Costume design, therefore, carries immense weight. It must bridge the gap between the mid-2000s opulence and today’s sleek minimalism, all while nodding to the film’s enduring legacy.
Expectations run high because costumes in the original were not accessories; they were characters. Andy’s transformation from frumpy cardigans to sleek Chanel marked her ascent, while Miranda’s unyielding parade of Louboutins and Dolce & Gabbana defined terror in tweed. With fashion cycles accelerating, the sequel’s wardrobe could serve as a time capsule, blending Y2K nostalgia with quiet luxury and sustainable chic.
The Legacy of Patricia Field’s Original Masterpieces
Patricia Field’s work on the first film remains a benchmark. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Costume Design, her selections drew from over 60 designers, creating looks that felt both aspirational and attainable. Iconic moments include Miranda’s white Bob Mackie gown at the Met Gala sequence, a whisper of Versace silks, and Andy’s green satin Proenza Schouler dress that screamed “I’ve arrived.” Field shopped thrift stores alongside couture houses, embodying Runway’s ethos of curated excess.
These choices propelled the film’s commercial success, grossing over $326 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. They also shaped culture: sales of cerulean sweaters spiked post-release, as Miranda’s monologue famously declared. Critics praised how the costumes underscored themes of identity and power. Variety noted in a 2024 retrospective that Field’s “visual storytelling” made the film a perennial style reference.[1]
For the sequel, will Field return? At 83, she has shifted focus to TV like And Just Like That…, but her consultation seems likely. Producers have remained tight-lipped, yet whispers from Disney panels suggest a “dream team” approach, potentially blending veterans with fresh talent to honour the past while innovating.
Potential Costume Designers and Their Visions
Patricia Field’s Possible Return or Successors
If Field helms the sequel, anticipate amplified drama. Her signature—bold accessories, unexpected layering—could evolve with metallic accents echoing 2020s metallics from brands like The Row or Bottega Veneta. Alternatively, rising stars like Jacqueline Durran (Barbie) or Jenny Beavan (Cruella) might step in, bringing Oscar-winning precision. Durran’s playful yet pointed style in Barbie aligns with a story pitting traditional fashion against TikTok trends.
Industry reports from The Hollywood Reporter indicate Disney’s push for authenticity, consulting Vogue’s Anna Wintour—rumoured Miranda inspiration—for input. This ensures costumes reflect real Runway evolution, from print dominance to digital disruption.[2]
Budget and Sourcing Strategies
With a projected $80-100 million budget, the sequel affords archival pieces from the original, revived for nostalgia. Sustainable practices loom large: expect upcycled couture from Stella McCartney or Gabriela Hearst, mirroring fashion’s green shift. Vintage Chanel from Miranda’s closet could juxtapose fast-fashion hauls from new influencer characters, highlighting generational clashes.
Miranda Priestly’s Timeless Power Dressing
Meryl Streep’s Miranda defined “cerulean blue” authority. In the sequel, her wardrobe must reflect a 60-something icon navigating irrelevance. Picture tailored Max Mara coats in midnight navy, Pucci prints softened by age, and Manolo Blahnik heels sharper than ever. Subtle greys and ivories signal quiet luxury—a trend championed by brands like Loro Piana—contrasting her original vibrancy.
Analysts predict nods to power suiting’s resurgence post-#MeToo, with wide-leg trousers from Dior and structured blazers evoking 1940s forties. Accessories remain key: oversized sunglasses from Celine, hermès scarves twisted into weapons of disdain. Streep’s physicality demands fabrics that move like liquid metal, underscoring Miranda’s enduring grip on power.
One exciting prospect: a “Miranda archive” scene, unveiling pieces from past collections, blending sentiment with savagery. This could culminate in a finale gown rivaling the original’s Marc Jacobs, perhaps from Schiaparelli’s surrealist line, symbolising reinvention.
Andy Sachs: Maturity in Minimalism
Anne Hathaway’s Andy, now a decade older, evolves from protégé to peer. Her 2006 arc—from chunky knits to sleek sheaths—mirrors personal growth. Expect elevated everyday luxury: wide-leg pants from Reformation, silk blouses from Everlane, blending accessibility with edge. As a potential Runway editor or rival, her looks might incorporate techwear—structured leather from Khaite—nodding to hybrid work culture.
Romantic subplots could introduce romantic bohemia: flowing Zimmerman dresses for off-duty moments, contrasting Miranda’s severity. Hathaway’s real-life style evolution—from Les Misérables gowns to Gap campaigns—informs authentic maturity, making Andy’s wardrobe a fan favourite for relatability.
Emily Charlton and Supporting Wardrobes
Emily Blunt’s Emily, if returning, demands fiery reds and assertive silhouettes. Think structured Balmain jackets and pointed toe boots, evolving her original harried chic into confident ferocity. New characters—influencers or rivals—wear Gen-Z trends: cropped hoodies under blazers from Zara, layered with chunky gold from Mejuri, satirising social media excess.
Fashion Trends Shaping the Sequel
The 2020s demand relevance. Quiet luxury dominates, with neutrals from Totême and Arket reflecting post-pandemic restraint. Y2K revival—low-rise skirts, baby tees—could parody Andy’s early faux pas, updated via Agolde denim. Sustainability threads throughout: organic cottons, deadstock silks, aligning with Runway’s hypothetical pivot.
Gender fluidity adds layers—perhaps unisex tailoring for diverse hires. Metallics and sheers from Mugler preview Met Gala drama. Social media integration means “shoppable” looks, with QR-coded labels in-universe, blurring film and reality.
- Nostalgia Cycles: Belted trenches echoing Andy’s Dolce & Gabbana.
- Innovation: 3D-printed accessories for futuristic edge.
- Cultural Shifts: Inclusive sizing, diverse skin tones in patterns.
These trends position the film as a style oracle, much like the original timed with boho-chic’s peak.
Production Insights and Challenges
Filming eyes New York and Paris, prime for location shoots at Fashion Week. Challenges include sourcing amid supply chain woes—post-COVID fabric shortages favour digital printing. COVID protocols may limit fittings, pushing virtual try-ons via CLO3D software.
Union strikes delayed pre-production, but momentum builds for a 2025 release. Costumes must withstand scrutiny from Instagram stylists, demanding perfection. Early concept art leaks (unverified) show Miranda in a feathered capelet, hinting at opulent excess.
Industry Impact and Box Office Predictions
The original boosted designers’ profiles; expect similar. Partnerships with LVMH could yield tie-ins, from pop-up shops to NFTs of digital looks. Amid superhero fatigue, fashion satires thrive—Barbie grossed $1.4 billion on pink alone. Projections: $500 million global, driven by viral costumes.
Culturally, it spotlights print media’s fightback against algorithms, with costumes visualising analogue allure. For aspiring designers, it’s a blueprint: storytelling through seams.
Conclusion
The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives not just as a sequel, but a wardrobe revolution. From Miranda’s icy elegance to Andy’s grounded glamour, the costumes promise to dissect fashion’s soul in a digital age. Whether helmed by Field or a new visionary, they will captivate, critique, and crown the film as 2026’s must-see. Fashion devotees, prepare your mood boards—this is style at its most devilish.
References
- Variety. “The Devil Wears Prada at 15: How Patricia Field’s Costumes Defined a Generation.” 15 June 2021.
- The Hollywood Reporter. “The Devil Wears Prada 2: Disney Eyes A-List Fashion Team for Sequel.” 25 July 2024.
- WWD. “From Cerulean to Quiet Luxury: Fashion’s Evolution Ahead of Devil Wears Prada Sequel.” 10 August 2024.