Sharp as Stilettos: ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ is a High-Fashion Melodrama With a Girly-Feel
- Seeing Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt back together after twenty years feels like a surreal deja vu.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” was easily the most anticipated movie of the year, and its release perfectly coincided with my birthday weekend. My besties in Alabama had planned an elaborate bash: we were to attend the film “dressed to the hilt,” followed by cocktails, a farm-to-table meal, and a game of cards. Remembering the iconic dialogue from the original — “The sweater is not just blue, It’s not just turquoise. It’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean” — I had meticulously planned my “Runway Ready” ensemble, debating over a pleated cerulean blue skirt and a fitted bejeweled sweater, or a pinstriped pant-suit. But I finally opted for a black and gold ensemble with a structured jacquard blazer, a vintage Victorian brooch and “Russian Red” MAC lipstick.
However, as I packed my weekender for that nostalgic getaway to “Sweet Home,” plans fell through. After a visit to the temple to “drive the devils away,” I found myself at the Roswell Cineplex for a 4 pm matinee. As I settled into the heated recliner, I was swept away by a world of exorbitant gowns and the high-society Met Gala scene. The film’s visual peak occurs during a show-stopping dinner held directly under the “Last Supper” at the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Italy. A weekend bash in the Hamptons is filmed at the sprawling oceanfront estate of real-life fashion tycoon Valentino Garavani.
Seeing Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt back together after twenty years feels like a surreal deja vu. Miranda Priestly remains the film’s incomparable anchor, now navigating the indignity of HR complaints with a weary grace. For the film’s grand gala entrance, Miranda wears a custom red Balenciaga gown crafted from silky super taffeta, paired with matching red heels. For the iconic “Last Supper” scene, she commands the room in a bejewelled Dries Van Noten coat.
For the film’s grand gala entrance, Miranda wears a custom red Balenciaga gown crafted from silky super taffeta, paired with matching red heels.
The film brilliantly establishes that Miranda and Andy Sachs (Hathaway) are two sides of the same coin; both are defined by an insatiable love for the work. However, where Miranda is polished, contained, authoritative, and cut-throat to the point of being humorous, Andy is bubbling with ideas and the zest to hustle. While Miranda is ever suave, Andy’s drive is written all over her face, mirroring every emotion as she pulls off cover articles, and corporate miracles. This contrast is apparent in every frame, and at the Hamptons party, where Andy makes a bold statement in a vibrant Schiaparelli dress that perfectly captures her high spirit.
Meanwhile, Emily Charlton (Blunt) provides the tension needed to propel the plot forward. Blunt deliberately wears clothes to draw attention, and plays her part with a red wig, and jagged brilliance. Moving from a disgruntled assistant to a powerful Dior executive seeking revenge, and almost succeeding in a stealthy move to pull the magic carpet from under Miranda’s well-heeled shoes.
The supporting men add a vital layer to this “media apocalypse.” Stanley Tucci’s Nigel returns with a grace that feels like a nostalgic embrace; notably, Tucci actually designed his own suit for the movie, bringing his personal expertise to the character’s serene elegance. We also meet Miranda’s new assistant Amari, played by Simone Ashley in Dolce & Gabbana outfits, and Cartier jewelry; she brings a subtle, polished beauty reminiscent of her “Bridgerton” days, frequently clearing her throat to gently nudge the feisty Miranda when she borders on being politically incorrect.
In the boardroom, Irv’s son Jay Ravitz (B.J. Novak) CEO of Elias-Clarke/Owner of Runway represents a new, uncouth threat, leading a hostile takeover with his chilling “people, not guys” chant. Providing a glimpse of Andy’s life outside the office is her new boyfriend Peter played by Patrick Brammall who has refurbished a historic building with “to die for” views of the Manhattan skyline. The film is peppered with cultural moments, most notably a jaw-dropping cameo by Lady Gaga, who stops the show at the Milan Fashion Week sequence!
Yet, for all the high-fashion melodrama, the film finds a girly-feel in its closing moments. The dramedy ends on a hopeful note, with Emily and Andy finally setting aside their decades-long rivalry. In a scene that feels both earned and different for the franchise, Miranda’s two Emilys rekindle their friendship over a promise to get Andy’s eyebrows groomed and a shared basket of carbs (without calories) a signal that there is much more to come for this iconic duo.
Although I was by myself, I felt my nine girlfriends were with me, giggling, and cheering at the “No-Nos, and That’s all” from Miranda. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is more than a sequel; it is a triumphant designer piece. Reaffirming the power of legacy. With a cast as sharp as stilettos and a script with unexpected twists, it earns its place in the front row of cinematic fashion history.
By the way, I can’t wait to try my hands at re-making the fan favorite Dries Van Noten tassel jacket for myself.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home, India, and a heart steeped in humanity, Monita Soni writes as a contemplative practice. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays, and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are “My Light Reflections” and “Flow Through My Heart.” You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner, WLRH 89.3 FM.