Why The Devil Wears Prada 2 Costumes Might Fail the Legacy
While fans are buzzing about the recently released trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, style expert Ellie-Jean Royden is issuing a word of caution. The 2006 original set a gold standard for cinematic costuming by using clothes to tell a deep story about character and power. Royden argues that modern sequels often lose this richness, favoring fast fashion trends and flat styling over the intentional, artful layering that made the first film a masterpiece.
Watch the full breakdown in the video below:
The Psychology of the Original Wardrobe
The magic of the first film lay in its “impactful and interesting” styling. Royden notes that every accessory was a deliberate choice, such as Andy’s unexpected mint green belt or her bright red gloves paired with an all black coat (07:55). These details were not just about labels. They represented a shared language between characters. For example, both Andy and Miranda wore similar long gold necklaces, symbolizing Andy’s attempt to find herself while simultaneously molding her identity to fit Miranda’s world (10:39).
The Fear of “Cheap” Modern Styling
Royden expresses deep “trepidation” regarding the sequel, citing recent reboots like Mean Girls as examples of how modern costuming often feels “poor” and “dated” by the time of release. She points to a specific detail in the Prada 2 trailer regarding the white panel on the back of Andy’s waistcoat. Royden suggests it looks like a mass market piece from a store like Mango rather than high end Vogue couture (04:10). The concern is that the new film will lean into classic and timeless looks that lack the daring avant garde spirit of the original (3:00).
Authenticity vs. Dress Up
A key takeaway from Royden’s breakdown is the concept of “authentic self.” In the 2006 film, Andy’s high glamour era was actually a form of inauthentic dress up as she tried to match the other women at Runway. Her true style only clicked at the very end when she returned to more grounded, “Earth” rooted silhouettes while keeping the accessorizing skills she learned (13:43). There is a worry that the sequel will miss these character nuances, trading genuine personality for bright colors used “for the sake of bright colors” (04:04).
The Plot: See More
The Devil Wears Prada 2 Trailer Breakdown: What Just Changed
Editor’s Note
This breakdown is the perfect companion to the The Devil Wears Prada 2 Trailer: 10 Details You Missed I just published. Royden perfectly captures why something felt “off” to me when I first watched the new trailer.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and do not constitute professional, medical, or financial advice
