There was a moment, just as the sun dipped over London on 23 April, when the red carpet for The Devil Wears Prada 2 stopped feeling like a film premiere and started to resemble something closer to a fashion week arrival. Not overly staged, not too polished—just that easy collision of cinema and style the original film made famous.
It helps that The Devil Wears Prada still carries a certain weight. For many, it wasn't just entertainment—it shaped how fashion looked and felt from the outside. So when the cast reunited in London, there was a quiet expectation in the air: not just for the film, but for the clothes.
Anne Hathaway Keeps It Sharp—and Surprisingly Simple
If anyone understands the assignment at a Prada premiere, it's Anne Hathaway. But instead of leaning into full-blown drama, she took a slightly different route this time.
Her navy velvet dress was fitted, clean, and refreshingly straightforward. No excess detailing, no obvious statement—just a silhouette that did exactly what it needed to do. After a run of softer, more romantic looks during the press tour, this felt like a reset.
There's something about velvet under evening light that always works, and here it added just enough depth without overpowering the look. Paired with a sleek ponytail and polished make-up, Hathaway looked composed in a way that didn't feel overly styled.
Standing beside those towering red stiletto props — a playful nod to the film's legacy — she looked less like she was promoting a sequel and more like she'd simply stepped back into the world, fully formed.
Emily Blunt Leans Into Structure
Emily Blunt, meanwhile, went in the opposite direction—and it paid off.
Her strapless red corset, complete with a sweeping train and tailored trousers, felt deliberate without being too rigid. It's not the easiest silhouette to pull off, but Blunt made it look instinctive.
The richness of the red carried most of the drama, while the trousers kept things grounded. It avoided tipping into costume territory, which could have easily happened. Jewellery from Mikimoto added a bit of quiet luxury—nothing too loud, just enough to finish the look properly.
Meryl Streep Does What Meryl Streep Does
There's no need to overanalyse Meryl Streep on a red carpet like this. She knows exactly what works.
A red jacket, a crisp white shirt, clean lines—done.
It echoed the essence of Miranda Priestly without turning it into a costume reference. And that's the difference. It felt natural, not performative.
Sometimes, simplicity carries more authority than anything else.
Stanley Tucci Stays in His Lane (In the Best Way)
Stanley Tucci didn't stray far from what he does best: tailoring, done properly.
His suit from Paul Smith was sharp, understated, and exactly right for the setting. No unnecessary risks, no attempts to compete—just confidence in simplicity.
Arriving with Felicity Blunt, the pair brought a quieter energy to the carpet, which, oddly enough, stood out just as much.
Simone Ashley Brings a Bit of Playfulness
Among the returning names, Simone Ashley felt like the injection of something newer.
Her pink look — paired with matching velvet heels — had a sense of ease to it. It didn't feel overly styled or overly strategic. Just confident.
And that's often what works best on a red carpet like this. Not everything needs to be a statement.
Beyond the Core Cast, It Felt Like a Proper London Fashion Moment
The guest list filled in the rest of the picture.
Donatella Versace made an appearance — unsurprising, given her cameo in the film — alongside Ashley Graham and Ciara.
Closer to home, names like Roxy Horner, wearing Karen Millen, and Tasha Ghouri added to the sense that this wasn't just a film event—it was a fashion one.
There's a difference, and you could feel it.
The Film Itself Reflects a Different Fashion World
What's interesting is how closely the real-life premiere mirrors the film's reported storyline.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is said to explore the decline of traditional print media, with Miranda Priestly navigating an industry that doesn't quite look the way it used to.
Opposite her is Emily Charlton, now in a position of power—controlling advertising budgets and, by extension, influence.
It's a shift that feels familiar. Fashion hasn't lost its edge, but it has changed its structure. Power doesn't sit in quite the same places anymore.
Early Reactions Suggest It's Worth the Wait
Even before the official reviews land, there's already a sense that the sequel might actually deliver. One early reaction described it as 'a biting media parody wrapped up in high fashion', while another simply put it: 'Gird your loins, the devil is back.'
It's hard to ignore that kind of response—especially for a sequel arriving nearly two decades after the original.
So, Did the Fashion Deliver?
In short, yes. But not in the way you might expect. There was less of an obvious spectacle than you might associate with The Devil Wears Prada. Fewer exaggerated silhouettes, fewer headline-grabbing risks.
Instead, it felt more edited. More intentional. And oddly, that made it feel more current. Because right now, fashion isn't really about doing the most—it's about knowing when to stop.
