The first trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, released on Instagram by star Anne Hathaway for her birthday, has ignited a fashion debate over a pair of red-studded stilettos worn by Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly. The shoes, Valentino Rockstud stilettos from 2010, were once a staple among fashion editors but are now considered passé by many online commentators.
On the Who What Wear Instagram account, followers criticised the choice, with one calling it 'a choice' and another simply saying 'no to shoes'. TikTok creator NewsWithLils described the move as 'diabolical', suggesting the character's fashion credibility was compromised by wearing an outdated style in a 2025 setting.
The backlash reflects a broader trend of online scrutiny of costumes in films and TV with a fashion angle. Earlier this year, images from a biopic about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were similarly criticised for inaccuracies in hair and accessories. Some experts suggest the negative reaction could be deliberate, designed to generate buzz.
However, fashion insiders like Julia Hobbs, senior contributing fashion features editor at Vogue, argue that the Rockstuds may be ripe for a revival. 'There's something deeply nostalgic about them,' she said, adding that if anyone can restart a trend, it's Miranda Priestly. The debate continues as fans await the film's release.
