“I found it highly enjoyable and very funny,” said Anna Wintour at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on April 20, 2026. This marks a significant shift from her earlier reluctance regarding the original film, which was released in 2006 and based on Lauren Weisberger’s experiences working as her assistant.
Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, has often been compared to Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly. Initially, she expressed concern that the film would portray her in an unfavorable light. “I think the fashion industry was very sweetly concerned for me about the film, that it was going to paint me in some kind of difficult light,” she noted. Yet here she is, embracing its sequel with open arms.
That context matters because it showcases how perceptions can evolve within the fashion industry. While The Devil Wears Prada solidified Streep’s status as a cultural icon, it also placed Wintour under scrutiny. Her attendance at the sequel’s premiere and subsequent promotion—such as appearing on the cover of Vogue alongside Streep—signals a newfound acceptance.
Wintour stepped back as editor-in-chief of Vogue in June 2025 after an impressive tenure spanning 37 years. However, she continues to serve as global editorial director and chief content officer for Condé Nast. This transition allows her to remain influential in shaping narratives within the fashion world.
The cultural overlap between Wintour and Priestly is undeniable. Both are known for their exacting standards and demanding management styles—traits that have earned them respect and fear alike. As Wintour herself acknowledged, “It was Meryl Streep, which — fantastic.” Her acknowledgment reflects a broader acceptance of how fiction can intersect with reality in the fashion industry.
Key elements surrounding this shift:
- The premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 took place on May 1, 2026.
- Meryl Streep’s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination.
- The original film significantly impacted public perception of both Wintour and the fashion industry.
- Wintour has publicly embraced her connection to Miranda Priestly.
- The sequel indicates a more playful relationship between Wintour and Hollywood.
This evolution in Wintour’s stance highlights not only her adaptability but also a changing narrative within fashion—a narrative that increasingly welcomes humor and self-reflection. As she continues to shape trends through her editorial work at Vogue, fans eagerly await how this newfound embrace will influence future projects both on-screen and off.