When Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour sit down together, the result is nothing short of legendary. The two icons recently shared a conversation, reflecting on decades of influence in film and fashion. Led by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, the interview offered a rare glimpse into how these powerhouse women see the worlds they dominate and how those worlds intersect.
The accompanying cover shoot, shot by Annie Leibovitz, sees Streep and Wintour in perfectly coordinated ensembles. It turned into a visual reminder that haute fashion and Hollywood glitz have long coexisted.
This interview for Vogue also primes audiences for the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to hit cinemas this May.
Can Fashion Define Power?
The discussion naturally turned to the role of fashion in shaping authority. Wintour, who has been at the helm of Vogue for over three decades, reflected on how women communicate power through style.
'I don't think wearing a power suit to the office is in any way necessary', Wintour stated. She highlighted figures, including Michelle Obama, as examples of authority expressed through individuality rather than rigid rules.
Streep chimed in to add her perspective on societal standards: 'All dress is about expressing yourself, but we're also subject to larger historical and political sweeps of expectation.'
Streep Reflects on High-Fashion Industry
Streep also reflected on stepping into the shoes of Miranda Priestly, the formidable fashion magazine editor she famously portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada. She spoke candidly about the pressures and perks of such a high-powered role, joking that the daily demands would be intense: 'I would dread the shoes.' At the same time, she highlighted the thrill of collaborating with young talent, keeping ideas flowing, and creating work that brings joy and celebrates beauty.
Looking back on her experience with the film, Streep noted how the fashion industry has evolved since the original story while still holding onto its core truths. She said: 'With this one, I thought, Well, where are they going to go? ... And I do think they've located something true about the business now.'
The actress then pointed out the respect designers showed toward real-life leaders like Anna Wintour during production, indicating the influence and authority in the world of high fashion.
How Wintour Shaped Priestly
The connection between Miranda Priestly and Anna Wintour also came up.
Wintour said of the character: 'I'd like to say it's such an honour to be played by Meryl, however distant Miranda is from myself.' Streep explained how she drew inspiration from Wintour's presence: 'I did think honestly about Anna and tried to imagine what it was like to carry her responsibility and to be as interested in the world and curious as she must have to be.'
While Priestly remains a fictional character, Wintour's persona — calm, tough, and authoritative — helped shape the iconic role. Their discussion bridged reality and fiction, giving fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of cinema's most memorable portrayals of power.
'The Devil Wears Prada' Returns on Big Screen
With The Devil Wears Prada 2 set to hit cinemas this coming May, anticipation among fans is at an all-time high. The sequel promises to explore how the fashion world has evolved over the past two decades, highlighting the influence of digital media, global trends, and the shifting dynamics of power.
Returning to the iconic characters of Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs, the film aims to capture both the glamour and the challenges of contemporary fashion. It will offer audiences a fresh yet familiar glimpse into an industry that continues to fascinate.
