New York's premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrived exactly as fashion fans would hope. It was bold, polished, and packed with red carpet moments designed to be photographed from every angle.
The evening brought together the film's highly-anticipated cast alongside major figures from the fashion world. It was like a crossover of front row and Hollywood that felt tailor-made for viral attention.
Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci were all present. Each delivered looks that leaned into the franchise's signature blend of elegance and authority. Across the carpet, tailoring and couture dominated. Structured silhouettes, dramatic fabrics, and carefully considered styling choices set a refined tone. It had that familiar 'fashion week finale' energy—sleek, refined, but never boring.
And then came the moment everyone ended up talking about.
Coco Rocha and Her Polka-Dot Ballgown
Coco Rocha didn't just arrive at the premiere; she made an entrance that practically stopped conversations mid-sentence.
Wearing Christian Siriano SS26, the supermodel stepped out in an oversized, off-the-shoulder ballgown that immediately felt like a conversation piece. The dress featured a textured, almost fleece-like fabric, covered in bold black-and-white polka dots.
But these weren't ordinary prints. The dots appeared as oversized, fuzzy pom-pom details, giving the gown a sculptural, almost tactile quality.
The silhouette leaned fully into drama. A voluminous, floor-length skirt created a sweeping presence, while a wide shawl-style neckline added softness to the upper structure. At the centre, a cinched black velvet waistband pulled everything together, creating definition against the exaggerated proportions.
Interestingly, the gown had already been worn by Rocha herself on the runway during its Christian Siriano SS26 presentation. Seeing it transition from catwalk to premiere carpet gave it an added layer of fashion-world credibility.
It's the kind of look that doesn't blend into a crowd. Even in a room full of couture, this one demanded attention without asking for it.
ICONIC ! Coco Rocha wears Christian Siriano SS26 at the worldwide premiere of the Devil wears Prada in New York — Dress that she wore herself on the runway ! pic.twitter.com/CwERBMgFBZ
— Les Flappers (@Lesflappers) April 20, 2026
Internet Can't Unsee Dalmatian References
As soon as images and clips from the premiere circulated online, social media users started reacting.
One comment that spread quickly summed up the tone of the conversation: 'It's giving Cruella de Vil,' referring to the fictional antagonist in 101 Dalmatians.
Other comments leaned into humour and exaggeration. One said: 'It just looks like she took a bunch of dalmatians out but as long as she's happy with the look, that's all that matters.' Another wrote: 'But she's dressed for Cruella 2: Doll Domination premiere.'
The repeated Cruella comparisons weren't accidental. The monochrome palette, oversized silhouette, and textured polka dots naturally evoked associations with high-fashion villain aesthetics—especially the kind popularised in film and internet meme culture. Within hours, the gown had shifted from red carpet moment to viral reference point.
Model Coco Rocha arrives to "The Devil Wears Prada 2" world premiere. pic.twitter.com/WY4ySDuGEn
— Variety (@Variety) April 20, 2026
The 'Queen of Pose'
Rocha is widely referred to in fashion circles and media as the 'Queen of Pose.' The title reflects her signature ability to shift through rapid, expressive, and highly stylised poses during shoots and runway presentations.
While not an official title or award, the phrase has become strongly associated with her career, especially in editorial photography where her movement-based approach stood out early on. That reputation is exactly why moments like this feel so on-brand.
Rocha doesn't just wear clothes in the traditional sense. She brings them to life.
More Red Carpet Elegance at Premiere Night
Beyond Coco Rocha's viral moment, the The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere delivered a strong appearances from its core cast and guests.
Across the carpet, the evening balanced restraint and spectacle. Some looks leaned into quiet luxury tailoring, while others embraced more dramatic silhouettes that invited closer inspection.
Anna Wintour, Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, and Madelaine Petsch were among the best-dressed on the red carpet, alongside the film's main cast.
