The anticipation surrounding the sequel to the beloved film “The Devil Wears Prada,” set to be released on May 1, has sparked a lively conversation, particularly regarding the character Miranda Priestly’s footwear. The trailer showcases Meryl Streep’s much-admired character donning a pair of striking Valentino Rockstud heels, which has led to considerable debate among fans and fashion enthusiasts. However, costume designer Molly Rogers is keen to clarify that the choice of shoes was not her doing, defending herself against the backlash.
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In an episode of Vogue’s podcast “The Run-Through,” Rogers detailed the circumstances surrounding the shoes, revealing that they were not part of her original vision for Miranda’s wardrobe. “When I saw all the fuss about that shoe, I thought, ‘I’m innocent,’” she remarked, indicating her surprise at the controversy.
The debate intensified following the release of the trailer, which has drawn attention to iconic elements from the original film, first released 20 years ago. Fans voiced their opinions not only based on early glimpses from the trailer but also from street style shots taken during the film’s production in New York City.
In one trailer scene, viewers see Miranda striking a commanding pose, the camera highlighting her eye-catching red and gold studded shoes. However, Rogers emphasised that the scene did not unfold as she had intended. “I had opted for a different shoe for Miranda. I was in Milan for other scenes when this choice was made,” she explained. Her distress was palpable when she received calls from her team relaying that the marketing department preferred the Rockstuds for the shot, a choice that Rogers felt strayed from her creative direction for the character.
Rogers light-heartedly likened her frustration to sending voodoo pins into dolls, highlighting the artistic integrity she wanted to maintain. “A marketing person doesn’t understand the nuances of footwear choices for a character like Miranda,” she added. Her expertise in costuming allowed her to distinguish between the styles that define each character, and she expressed mixed feelings about the nostalgic appeal of the Valentino heels.
The Rockstuds are indeed a trip down memory lane, having debuted in Valentino’s Fall 2010 collection under the direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Recently, they have received updates under the brand’s current head, Alessandro Michele. Additionally, Valentino’s marketing team has acknowledged the significance of the shoe’s placement in the film as part of a broader cultural moment, with strategic promotion associating the brand closely with the sequel.
Rogers also mentioned the late Valentino Garavani’s philanthropic spirit towards film production. “Mr. Valentino was always supportive of Meryl’s work. He once said, ‘Whatever you need, I’m here to help,’” she recalled. This testament of loyalty exemplifies the longstanding relationship between the iconic designer and the film industry.
The original 2006 costumes were designed by Patricia Field, known for her roles in “Sex and the City” and “Emily in Paris.” Rogers had previously collaborated with Field and felt a strong connection to the sequel, referring to her return as akin to “coming back to summer camp with people that you missed.” She felt that her historical perspective on the project equipped her with the unique insight required to create costumes that resonate with both old and new audiences.
As the release date for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” approaches, the dialogue surrounding its fashion choices will likely continue to evolve. While the marketing teams may drive some of these decisions, it is clear that the creative artistry behind the costumes plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the beloved characters. Whether or not fans embrace the stylistic choices remains to be seen, but it’s evident that the film has ignited nostalgia and excitement amongst its audience, ready for another taste of the high-stakes fashion world.
In conclusion, while the trailer has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about costume choices, Molly Rogers stands firm in her commitment to Miranda Priestly’s character, insisting her creative input is paramount to the film’s fashion representation. As the release date draws near, it appears that both excitement and scrutiny will only increase, reflecting the deep affinity audiences have for the fashion-forward narrative that defines “The Devil Wears Prada.”