Unveiling Tomorrow's Trends: The Style Evolution Continues
The Digital Age's Influence on Filming and Fashion Narratives
The contemporary media landscape has dramatically shifted since the original "Devil Wears Prada" debuted almost two decades ago. The first film depicted a fashion and media world rooted in traditional structures, a far cry from today's internet-driven environment. Consequently, with the advent of social media, constant paparazzi presence, and on-location filming in New York City, public discourse surrounding a movie's wardrobe now commences almost instantaneously with production, whether creators intend it or not.
Anticipated Return and Early Style Debates
The sequel, featuring the return of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, commenced filming recently. Despite a release date almost a year away, social media feeds are already saturated with glimpses of the characters' ensembles. This deluge of images may serve as a preliminary assessment of public reaction to the fashion. Regardless of the intention, each street scene sparks fresh discussions about the style—ranging from praise to criticism, and even questioning the authenticity of the looks worn by industry figures.
Bridging Fantasy and Reality: The Art of Costume Design
Any major film production centered on fashion inevitably embraces a degree of fantasy. This principle is something the film's costume designer, Molly Rogers, likely mastered under the tutelage of the iconic Patricia Field, who notably styled the original film. While the original movie saw its characters adorned in extravagant, often unattainable designer pieces, the sequel attempts to balance this cinematic grandeur with a more grounded approach.
Sartorial Splurges and Strategic Choices
It might seem unrealistic for Andy Sachs to casually acquire a new Gabriela Hearst dress, a Fendi bag, and Jemma Wynne jewelry. However, considering her presumed professional ascent since the first film, it's plausible that she would invest in luxury accessories, perhaps pairing them with more relaxed, yet chic, pieces for everyday travel. Similarly, Emily Blunt’s character's Dior and custom Wiederhoeft ensemble, especially if rumors of a billionaire partner hold true, suggests a blend of high fashion and character-driven extravagance.
The Authenticity of High-Low Dressing in the Fashion Realm
The strategic combination of high-end and more accessible clothing in many of the film's looks mirrors the actual dressing habits of numerous fashion insiders. While the industry has transformed significantly over the past two decades, even the original Andy Sachs wasn't freely raiding sample closets as a junior assistant. In today's context, wardrobe allowances and borrowing continue to exist, albeit on a less opulent scale, lending an air of realism to the on-screen wardrobes.
From Glamazon Glory to Nuanced Realism
The initial film was lauded for its portrayal of the powerful, glamorous figures—the "clackers" as Andy dubbed them—who dominated the world of Runway magazine. The sequel, however, appears to adopt a more subdued stylistic approach, which, interestingly, has resonated with young professionals in media and related fields. This shift highlights a desire for fashion portrayals that align more closely with contemporary realities.
Challenging Algorithmic Caricatures of Style
According to Sophie Wood, director of strategy at Fohr, an influencer marketing agency, the refreshing aspect of many costumes is their departure from an algorithm-driven caricature of how an editor might dress in 2025. This holds true even for trendy items like Pauline Chalamet’s Margiela Tabis. Wood particularly admires the Gabriela Hearst mosaic-print dress, noting its resemblance to the eclectic personal style observed in real New York City workplaces, where rigid business attire is less common, allowing for greater sartorial expression.
The Blended Wardrobe of Modern Fashion Professionals
Contrary to popular media depictions, fashion editors and industry experts do not adhere to a single, runway-dictated aesthetic. This explains why Andy's outfits, which combine designer pieces like Chanel with more accessible brands like AGOLDE or Valentino with Levi's, feel authentic. Perhaps she has even embraced online sales, like many others. This effortless blend of high and low fashion accurately reflects the daily reality for many within the industry, underscoring that true style transcends price tags and embraces versatility.
The Balance of Designer and Undone Elements
Fashion content creator Vivian Li emphasizes that modern style, heavily influenced by social media, often prioritizes aesthetics over practicality. She humorously points out that fashion professionals, burdened by deadlines, aren't always focused on crafting a "full look." For Li, a standout outfit was Andy's all-white Phoebe Philo and Nili Lotan ensemble, perfectly balanced by Prada heels, a worn vintage Coach satchel, and unkempt hair. This blend of high fashion with an "undone" quality mirrors "The Row" aesthetic and signifies Andy's natural evolution from the overly accessorized, novice fashionista of the first film.
Anticipating Future Fashion Revelations
While much of the plot remains a mystery, more set photos are undoubtedly on the horizon, promising a plethora of new looks to analyze and identify. But what do real fashion editors and industry professionals truly wear to the office? As ELLE's deputy news and strategy editor, Alyssa Bailey, observes, "I find it really exciting and refreshing that real-life fashion editors wear labels of all price points and still look amazing. I thought as a teenager I needed to be like Andy and wear head-to-toe designer to make it in this industry." This latest portrayal of Andy appears to offer a more authentic representation.