The Devil Wears Prada 2 – A Haunting Reflection of Modern Fashion
The Devil Wears Prada 2 has finally hit theaters, and after much anticipation, I caught it on the big screen.
While reviews from friends and colleagues have been critical, I found myself captivated by the sharp, cynical commentary on the fashion industry’s current evolution woven throughout the script.
The film swaps the glossy fantasy of the original for a grounded, sobering look at a shifting landscape. Here are the three most insightful themes from the sequel:
1. The Shift from Magazines to Retail Dominance
We reunite with Emily, who has moved onto a prestigious role at Dior. Her character serves as the mouthpiece for a hard truth: retail is the only sector of fashion that isn’t currently fighting for its life.
The film highlights a seismic cultural shift. There was once a time when luxury fashion items was an intentional splurge. Now, through the sheer power of aggressive branding, luxury houses have transformed themselves into essential status symbols. The script argues that many modern customers no longer buy for the love of the garment, but out of a perceived necessity to signal their social standing to the world which is why sales have increased over time.
2. Digitalization as the Grim Reaper of “Glossy”
The days of exorbitant budgets for sprawling photo shoots and the legendary "September Issue" are over. In one of the film’s most haunting moments, Nigel plainly states that Runway is no longer a magazine—it is a website designed to chase clicks.
This transition to a "digital-first" model isn't just about changing platforms; it’s about the loss of heritage. That loss is most evident in the death of tastemaking. Fashion magazines once dictated the cultural conversation—they were the ultimate authorities. Now, they have been relegated to merely covering trends already set by influencers and celebrity "It girls," proving that the "Glossy" has traded its leadership for a seat in the audience.
3. The Devaluation of the Craft by Outsiders
The plot takes a darker turn when Emily seeks revenge, leveraging her billionaire tech-mogul boyfriend to attempt a hostile takeover of Runway and install herself as Editor-in-Chief.
The emotional climax occurs during a dinner at Santa Maria delle Grazie. In front of The Last Supper—a metaphor for betrayal that was certainly not lost on the audience—Miranda pleads for the preservation of tradition once the "changing of the guard" eventually happens. Instead of offering reassurance, the boyfriend doubles down on the "value" tech brings to the table. Specifically, he discusses how AI can replace the industry's "human" elements: the creatives, the models, and the writers. Watching Miranda cry as she realizes the craft she spent her life defending is being handed to those who value efficiency over art was moving.
To add insult to injury, Jay Ravitz—the freshly minted chairman following his father’s passing—brings in McKinsey consultants to "optimize" the publication. While experts in their own fields, their lack of "fashion literacy" leads to devastating budget cuts that gut the soul of the magazine.
Final Thoughts
Most critiques of the movie focus on the absence of the glamorous, aspirational lifestyle we still associate with the fashion industry. However, times have certainly change and I argue the film is successful because it represents the current state of affairs accurately versus committing to a vision that no longer exists.
For the casual viewer, the lack of sparkle might be a letdown, but for anyone invested in the business of fashion, the commentary is both insightful and entertaining.