In a highly anticipated reunion, legendary actress Meryl Streep has joined forces with Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the real-life inspiration behind her iconic character Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. The pair, both aged 76, grace the cover of Vogue's May issue in a stunning photoshoot captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, with the accompanying interview conducted by acclaimed director Greta Gerwig.
A Fashionable Collaboration
Styled by Grace Coddington, Streep and Wintour were fittingly dressed in Prada for the occasion. Streep modeled a sophisticated navy blue power suit, paired with an elegant button-up ivory shirt and classic pointed-toe black heels. Meanwhile, Wintour showcased a vibrant bright red dress adorned with black and beaded accents, complemented by a long pleated skirt. Throughout the photo spread, the stars coordinated in sleek black sunglasses, adding a touch of glamour and mystery to the visuals.
Candid Conversations on Power and Age
In the magazine profile, Streep and Wintour engaged in a frank discussion on topics such as power-dressing, longevity, and the unique perspective that comes with age. Their conversation delved into the evolution of the fashion industry and their enduring roles within it. Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue, is famously the muse behind Streep's portrayal of the icy fashion editor Miranda Priestly, a character that has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Insights on The Devil Wears Prada Sequel
Ahead of the upcoming sequel, referred to as DWP2 in the article, Wintour shared her thoughts on the original film's impact. She remarked, 'What I liked about the first film is that it showed the world what a huge business fashion is. It’s a true economic force globally, and the first film acknowledged that. So much has changed. But I like to think we’re evolving rather than disintegrating. We are still here.'
Wintour emphasized the industry's adaptation to modern times, noting, 'We’re all doing our jobs—in different ways and across multiple platforms instead of just one, but how wonderful is that? We’re reaching far more people.' She also expressed her trust in Streep 'implicitly' when it came to shooting the second movie, highlighting their strong professional rapport.
Reflecting on returning to the film two decades later, Streep observed, 'I do think they’ve located something true about the business now,' suggesting that the sequel will capture contemporary realities of the fashion world.
Historical Context and Inspiration
The Devil Wears Prada film is based on the novel by former Vogue intern Lauren Weisberger, who described her time working with the fashion pillar as 'crazy.' In a 2021 appearance on the Today show, Weisberger told host Jenna Bush Hager that her role at Vogue was a 'crazy entrance into the working world of New York City,' adding, '...And it was wild. Wild.'
Weisberger spent less than a year at the publication, but her experiences inspired the hit movie, with Wintour serving as the inspiration for the boss of the fictional magazine Runway. The best-selling novel encapsulated Wintour's biting attitude and zoomed in on Weisberger's daily tasks, which included 'faxing, filing, getting coffee, and basically keeping Anna’s life running as smoothly as possible.'
Previous Praise and Future Prospects
In 2022, Wintour revealed that she would choose Streep to portray her in a Broadway musical, a testament to their mutual admiration. This revelation came during Wintour's appearance in Vogue's famed 73 Questions YouTube segment. Streep, a three-time Academy Award winner, stars opposite Anne Hathaway in the beloved original film, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
As the fashion and entertainment industries eagerly await the sequel, this Vogue cover story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of The Devil Wears Prada and the powerful women behind it. The reunion of Streep and Wintour not only celebrates their individual achievements but also underscores the evolving narrative of fashion as a dynamic and influential global force.
