Anna Wintour’s recent visit to the set of *The Devil Wears Prada 2* brought unexpected changes to the film’s production, illustrating the influential role the legendary editor can play in the fashion industry. During a conversation on Amy Odell’s *Back Row* podcast, director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna shared insights about the day Wintour stepped onto the set, revealing her keen eye for detail.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/anne-hathaway-anna-wintour-emily-blunt-2-042126-49a550673f1b48f48a8394579fdb46f6.jpg)
Wintour’s arrival coincided with filming a scene set in the Dior offices, where Emily Blunt portrays her character, Emily. Brosh McKenna recounted how, while observing the scene on a monitor, Wintour quickly voiced her opinions regarding the florals in the shot. She noted that a plethora of flowers did not align with what one would expect in a Parisian fashion house, stating that Dior would only have white flowers, not the pink arrangements presented.
“I came running out and I was like, ‘Dude, kill the flowers,’” Brosh McKenna laughed as she recalled her immediate response. The prop team promptly replaced the overly vibrant floral display with a more muted single vase of white blooms, honouring Wintour’s input and her status within the fashion realm.
In addition to providing her critical eye, Wintour took a moment to engage with the cast, posing for a group photo and even participating in a light-hearted gag take. Frankel mentioned that a portion of this scene would be included as an extra when the film is released on streaming platforms. “Unfortunately, Anna jumped her cue, so the shot isn’t always in focus, and I didn’t want to do a second take,” he shared, acknowledging the challenges of directing such a prominent figure.
The influence of Wintour on the film is underscored by the cultural legacy of *The Devil Wears Prada*. The original movie, released in 2006, adapted Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel of the same name, which is believed to draw inspiration from Wintour’s formidable persona as editor-in-chief of Vogue. Weisberger herself had served as Wintour’s assistant, an experience that shaped the story’s characters and narrative.
Meryl Streep, who famously portrayed Miranda Priestly in the first film, recently revisited the connection between her character and Wintour during a conversation with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM. Streep admitted she was completely unaware of Wintour’s influence on the character during the making of the original film. “I didn’t know her at all because of my dissociation from fashion for the first movie,” Streep explained, reflecting on her approach to embodying Priestly.
The Oscar-winning actress expressed her intention to create an original character rather than mimic Wintour’s traits. “I just wanted to create my own Miranda. I wanted it to be my own thing,” Streep said, suggesting that she focused on her interpretation of what a powerful figure in fashion would be like.
As 20 years have elapsed since the film’s initial launch, Streep has developed a rapport with Wintour. She recounted a conversation in which Wintour called her to ask about the upcoming sequel. Streep assured her, “I think it’s going to be good. You’re not going to be worried,” expressing confidence in the direction of the film.
The co-creation of *The Devil Wears Prada 2* also reflects a gradual shift in how fashion influences popular culture. The original film portrayed the nuances of the fashion industry while providing a critique of its sometimes superficial nature, a balancing act that will likely continue in the sequel.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds with the prospect of another entry into the fashion film canon, driven not only by star power but also by the undeniable influence of icons like Anna Wintour. Her input on the set serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in capturing the essence of a world where fashion is both an art and a rigorous profession.