Meryl Streep, the legendary actress known for her role as the formidable Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada, has proven that comfort can indeed reign supreme on the red carpet. At the recent premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in Mexico, Streep, aged 76, made a bold fashion statement by pairing her elegant navy Schiaparelli dress with a pair of suede heels from the brand Sole Bliss.
A Secret Weapon for Red Carpet Comfort
While her £199 five-inch platforms might appear daunting to wear, they are ingeniously designed for maximum comfort. Sole Bliss, a shoe brand based in Watford and launched in 2017, specialises in creating podiatrist-approved footwear tailored for women with common foot conditions such as bunions. Each shoe incorporates a concealed foam footbed, wide toe boxes, and hidden stretch elements, all meticulously cut to reduce pressure on the joints.
Celebrity Endorsements and Royal Approval
This focus on comfort has garnered a loyal following among A-list celebrities who prioritise practicality without sacrificing style. Notable fans include Helen Mirren, 80, Sharon Stone, 68, Viola Davis, 60, and Julia Roberts, 58. The brand has even won royal favour, with Queen Camilla reportedly owning an impressive eleven pairs of Sole Bliss shoes.
Streep's choice of heels is part of a special collaboration between Sole Bliss and renowned stylist Micaela Erlanger, further cementing the brand's status in high-fashion circles.
A Contrast to High-Fashion Norms
In a delightful twist, this pragmatic footwear choice stands in stark contrast to the preferences of Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor who inspired the character of Miranda Priestley. Wintour, a lifelong devotee of Manolo Blahnik, might not typically endorse such orthopaedic-friendly designs. However, as Streep demonstrates, even the most powerful fashionistas occasionally need to embrace comfort, whether it involves orthopaedic support or not.
The premiere also featured co-stars like Anne Hathaway, adding to the glamour of the event. Other celebrities have similarly embraced Sole Bliss for major occasions, such as Julia Roberts at the Ticket to Paradise premiere in 2022 and Helen Mirren at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
As The Devil Wears Prada 2 prepares for its release on May 1, Streep's footwear choice highlights a growing trend where style and comfort coexist seamlessly on the red carpet.
