Released in 2006 and a joy every single time it’s viewed for any fashionista out there we discuss The Devil Wears Prada, a film that appreciates fashion.
Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name The Devil Wears Prada had significant fashion implications on the industry as it shines a kind (and not-so-kind) light on the world of wardrobe.
The movie offers a satirical and exaggerated glimpse into this high-stakes world but at the same time, you genuinely believe that there are bosses out there just like Miranda Priestly (played coldly and expertly by Meryl Streep) whose demeanour would send a chill down any new young interns back.
The Devil Wears Prada opened our eyes to the world of fashion that goes beyond overly priced clothes and runway models and into the editorial realm and the decisions that shape the industry from high-end luxury brands down to department store alternatives.
A fast-paced and glamorous world of high-end fashion brings in a broader audience and as a movie lover, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I hopped onto various clothing websites and had a browse at some high-end items after watching the movie.
There’s something about the film that piques your interest and whilst I still don’t agree with the horrendous pricing at some of the designer brands for something you’d easily get of the same quality for a fraction of the price it still adds in a layer of appreciation for how it was designed and created.
Patricia Field led the costume design on The Devil Wears Prada and as a result of the film’s commercial box office success ($326.7 million to be precise) the high-fashion looks of each character had an impact on real-life fashion choices.
Suddenly high profile power dressing and office attire were all the rage and with the film paying such a high focus to brands like Prada for example (the key is in the name) this further enhanced brand recognition as well as the desire to obtain luxury labels.
From runway shows to editorial shoots and fashion events The Devil Wears Prada opened people’s eyes to the wonderful world of fashion who wouldn’t have paid much attention otherwise.
Designers, editors, photographers and intern jobs were suddenly now more appealing albeit praying your boss wasn’t as stone-hearted as Miranda.
If I was interested in a job in the fashion industry and used The Devil Wears Prada as a template for what it would be like I would be running half a mile in the opposite direction.
The movie portrayed it as a cutthroat industry hellbent on physical appearance (even staff members, not the models) and seemed very shallow from top to bottom.
Safe to say they got the industry spot on then isn’t it?!
But the movie appealed to its audience and as a result, the industry became all the rage as fashion journalism and media career interest skyrocketed. It showcased the challenges and rewards of working in a high-profile fashion magazine environment.
The Devil Wears Prada has left a lasting impact on popular culture with the implications stretching far past the confines of a film on screen.
The fashion industry changed in 2006 but for the better, or worse, well that’s up to you!
