↜The Devil Wears Prada review𓄋

We are once again reminded that this film is a map of the fashion world, after Anne Hathaway unintentionally paid homage to her character Andy Sachs at New York Fashion Week 2022. The actress tapped into her onscreen character with her iconic full-fringe and brown snakeskin, leather collard coat, enveloping a black turtleneck. 2006 is so the new 2023 hunny. In an uncanny coincidence, a Devil Wears Prada moment was recreated in the front row of the Michael Kors SS23 show, with Hathaway sat beside the real life Miranda Priestly, Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor-in-chief. Fans have been in hysterics and it's only right to revisit why this film is an adored classic.

Actress Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor-in-chief, sat side-by-side at the Michael Kors SS23 show during NYFW 2022.

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 dramatic-comedy, directed by David Frankel that hits the nail right on its head with the genre. The film was oh-so-charming, while keeping us on the edges of our seats. The film follows the journey of how, Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, goes from the ambitious, girl-next-door to the vigilant assistant of the tenacious and ruthless editor of Runway Magazine, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Both Hathaway and Streep share the perfect chemistry to portray the dynamic of two different roles within high-fashion journalism. The movie drops many hints of Runway loosely being based off of Vogue; qwhere the job is considered highly prestigious- a phenomenon Andy is initially oblivious to, but is constantly reminded that a “million girls would kill for the job”.

She sees this herself, when she jumps through Miranda’s insatiable hoops; (a play on the legendary Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue) from her Starbucks orders to her children’s homework, in hopes of the right door to open- Andy is nothing but resilient to pursue her desired journalistic career. The film does well to challenge misinterpretations of working females, as Andy is a reflection of the women that don’t adhere to the stereotypes of women being fashion-crazy- she actually finds the fuss and tasks trivial. A naive Andy is very quickly humbled by Miranda’s famous but intense dissection of her cerulean jumper choice, highlighting the unconscious influence fashion has in her life. It's really not just a lumpy blue sweater.

The film is fantastic in demonstrating the toll a successful career has on one’s life, as the plot develops, our beloved Nigel gives Andy a makeover. She is decked out in Dolce, Chanel, Jimmy, you name it! Andy begins to enjoy divulging further into the fashion world and her career at Runway. From her first pair of Jimmy Choos to a potential Andrea in Paris. I think it's safe to say she definitely knows what a Shu Uemura eyelash curler is at this point. Andy gets access to all the exclusive spots, meeting a diverse collection of important people and getting bombarded with opportunities of a lifetime.

When Andy starts spreading herself a little too thin, she stumbles upon the realisation that she is a reflection of Miranda; harsh, focussed and diligent but later sees, it’s is not such a bad thing after all. Despite the universal and sexist criticism Miranda receives, “snow-queen drives away another ‘Mrs Priestly’”, she perceivers as a powerful figure. This humanisation of her, triggers some unexpected sympathy, as the antagonist of the film jumps between Miranda and Andy's friends; who's lack of support translates as antagonism- they just never seem to be happy for her! Our heartstrings are continuously pulled back and forth as we're ecstatic to finally see Andy embracing her job, but sorry to see how misunderstood she is by the ones she cares about. Eventually Andy concedes the high-fashion working role to return to her core values as a journalist.

The film is a sparkling tribute to the women in journalism that are dismissed for their sector, due to social stigmas and stereotypes; like fashion being viewed as shallow and trivial. It defies this notion and validates the hard-work female journalists contribute, as in the end Andy succeeds, finding herself and gaining a newfound respect for the industry. It's a great and glamorous tribute to the fashion industry (I mean, THE Giselle Bündchen makes a cameo or two), while highlighting the heights magazines go to, to portray what their niche readership love. Both Andy and Miranda learn something from one another, as Miranda’s act of kindness and secret chuckle to herself, is the wholesome finish we didn't know we needed.

Every moment of the film was delightful and satisfying. Anyone with eyes and ears would 10/10 love this film.

💋 Pooja xxxx