---
title: Is The Devil Still Wearing Prada? Fashion Nostalgia Returns For A Big-Screen Reunion In 2026
description: The Devil Wears Prada sequel sparks fashion fever in New York City as Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt reunite – style, power and wit endure.
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2025-08-09T08:47:20.000Z
updated: 2026-03-31T11:24:57.610Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/is-the-devil-still-wearing-prada-fashion-nostalgia-returns-for-a-big-screen-reunion-in-2026
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/wys6dbn4sc4.jpg
categories: Beauty & Style
content_type: News
region: New York
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

The first glimpse hit social media like a fashion week tsunami. There was Meryl Streep, stepping out of a car in New York City wearing a Gabriela Hearst Manuela Skirt and purple blouse, instantly recognisable as Miranda Priestly despite nearly two decades having passed. Within hours, the on-set photos from The Devil Wears Prada sequel had fans dissecting every detail – the cut of Anne Hathaway’s vintage Jean Paul Gaultier pinstripe suit, the way Emily Blunt carried herself between takes.

The emotional response was immediate and visceral: these weren’t just actors returning to roles, but [beloved characters we’d been longing to see again](https://richwoman.co/article/who-are-you-becoming-in-order-to-succeedthe-devil-wears-prada-2-returns-with-possible-answers). Writer Aline Brosh McKenna, who returned to pen the sequel, captured the phenomenon perfectly: ‘People will stand outside just for a glimpse of these actors and these characters that they love because seeing them in wardrobe has really excited people, especially since it’s a fashion movie.’

Nearly 20 years after its 2006 release, [The Devil Wears Prada](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458352/) has achieved something rare in cinema – it’s become a cultural touchstone that goes far beyond its original medium. The film evolved from a workplace comedy into an unlikely style bible for a generation, offering both a glamorous glimpse into the high-stakes fashion industry and sharp insights into power dynamics that still resonate today.

The movie’s enduring appeal lies in its perfect blend of wit and wisdom. Miranda Priestly’s legendary cerulean speech – dissecting how high fashion trickles down to mass market through a single sweater – remains one of cinema’s most quoted monologues. These aren’t just memorable lines; they’re cultural shorthand for discussions about influence, creativity and the often-invisible forces that shape our choices.

When Streep, Hathaway and Blunt reunited at the 2024 SAG Awards to present an award, [social media exploded with nostalgic excitement](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/devil-wears-prada-reunion-sag-awards). Fans weren’t just seeing three accomplished actors on stage – they were witnessing a momentary return to characters who’d become comfort viewing, the kind of film women revisit when they need both glamour and grounding. Much like [The Gilded Age’s return sparked similar nostalgic excitement](https://richwoman.co/article/returning-to-the-ball-why-we-still-fancy-the-gilded-age-s-gossipy-world), there’s something deeply satisfying about [revisiting characters who understand both ambition and style](https://richwoman.co/article/the-bridgerton-factor-how-netflix-sparks-a-275-million-shift-in-the-ton-s-fashion-tourism-and).

## The Plot: Old Favourites, New Realities

The sequel’s storyline feels perfectly calibrated for 2025. Miranda Priestly now navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing, while Emily Charlton has evolved into a high-powered executive for a luxury group with the advertising dollars that Priestly desperately needs. It’s a dynamic that speaks to how industries change, how power shifts, and how yesterday’s assistant can become tomorrow’s equal.

The plot mystery around Andy Sachs only adds to the intrigue. Where does the former assistant fit into this new world? The question reflects how our relationship with work and ambition has evolved since 2006, making her return all the more compelling. We’re watching people we’ve invested in emotionally navigate challenges that mirror our own evolving professional lives.

## Can Fashion Nostalgia Win Over The 2026 Style?

The costume reveals have been a masterclass in building anticipation. Hathaway’s [Gabriela Hearst Spring-Summer 2025 colourful patchwork maxi dress](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a46955224/meryl-streep-anne-hathaway-emily-blunt-the-devil-wears-prada-2024-sag-awards/) showed Andy’s style evolution, while her vintage Jean Paul Gaultier pieces suggested a character who’s learned to appreciate fashion’s artistry. The Chanel Velcro sandals paired with an AGOLDE denim maxi skirt hint at someone comfortable mixing high and accessible fashion.

For fans of the original, these glimpses carry emotional weight far beyond their aesthetic appeal. [Patricia Field’s original costume design](https://www.racked.com/2016/6/28/12044896/the-devil-wears-prada-costumes-patricia-field) featuring luxury brands like Chanel, Prada and Valentino created a visual language that helped tell the story. Now, seeing these characters in new wardrobes feels like catching up with stylish friends whose taste you’ve always admired. The attention to [costume design as storytelling](https://richwoman.co/article/up-for-auction-netflix-s-royal-fashion-collection-of-the-crown) continues to elevate fashion in film beyond mere decoration.

McKenna’s reaction to first seeing the cast in costume says it all: ‘I got a little squeal when I saw them in costume the first time. I was like, “Oh my God!” It was like my son’s bar mitzvah or something. I felt like I wanted to take pictures!’ That visceral joy – from the writer herself – captures why these costume reveals generate such excitement.

## The Power of Cinema Icons on Your Lifestyle

The returning cast reads like a [reunion invitation you’d actually want](https://richwoman.co/article/the-knock-wants-you-to-scream-together-a-female-led-quarantine-horror-built-for-late-night-sc) to receive. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci anchor the film, with Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprising their roles as Lily and Irv Ravitz. Each brings nearly two decades of additional experience to characters we thought we knew completely.

The newcomers add intriguing possibilities: Kenneth Branagh as Miranda’s husband, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, and Pauline Chalamet among others. Patrick Brammall joins as Andy’s new love interest, suggesting her personal life has evolved as much as her professional one. It’s an ensemble that promises both nostalgic comfort and fresh dynamics.

What’s particularly appealing is how each main cast member has remained active and acclaimed since 2006. [Hathaway continues starring in diverse projects](https://variety.com/2025/film/news/devil-wears-prada-2-first-look-anne-hathaway-andy-sachs-1236465858/), while [Streep has appeared in acclaimed series like Only Murders in the Building](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meryl_Streep). They’re not returning out of desperation, but genuine affection for these roles. There’s something refreshing about [actors returning to beloved characters](https://richwoman.co/article/finding-your-voice-at-any-age-the-power-of-resilience-designed-by-preeti) when they choose to, not when they need to.

The fans gathering outside filming locations represent something deeper than celebrity obsession. These are people for whom The Devil Wears Prada became more than entertainment, turning into a cultural reference point for navigating workplace politics, understanding fashion’s influence and appreciating the complexity of career progress.

In 2025, our relationship with these themes has only grown more nuanced. The film’s exploration of work-life balance, the cost of success and the importance of staying true to yourself resonates differently now. Social media has made the behind-the-scenes process more transparent, turning costume spotting into a communal activity where fans analyse every detail for clues about character development.

McKenna acknowledges this evolution: ‘We knew there would be a lot of interest. I personally hadn’t experienced this level of people coming out [to the set], but it’s the world we live in. In many ways, we’re speaking to a different world than we did in 2006.’ The screenwriter recognises the privilege in such devotion: ‘It stems from a legitimate desire to see these characters again. As long as everyone’s safe, what an honour that people are still interested.’

## The Anticipation Builds

With filming underway and a [1 May 2026 release date](https://deadline.com/gallery/the-devil-wears-prada-2-film-set-photos/) confirmed, the countdown has an almost ceremonial quality. We’re not just anticipating a new film – we’re excited about reconnecting with characters who’ve remained culturally relevant long after their story supposedly ended.

The sequel promises to deliver what the best reunions offer: the comfort of familiarity combined with the excitement of discovery. We’ll see how Miranda has adapted to industry changes, how Emily wields her new power, and how Andy has evolved both personally and professionally.

Director David Frankel and writer McKenna returning alongside producer Karen Rosenfelt suggests a commitment to honouring what made the original special while acknowledging how much has changed. For fans still dissecting every on-set photo and costume choice, the wait until May 2026 will be filled with delicious speculation.

The real magic lies in how this sequel feels less like a calculated Hollywood franchise play and more like a genuine reunion with old friends – the kind where you’re genuinely excited to catch up and see how everyone’s doing. Much like [cinema’s exploration of complex female characters](https://richwoman.co/article/may-december-women-pay-higher-price-for-breaking-rules), there’s depth here beyond surface glamour.