The Devil Wears Prada Fashion Legacy and Iconic Bags We Hope to See Next

Why The Devil Wears Prada Still Defines Fashion Culture

It started with a simple line: “That’s all,” expertly delivered by Meryl Streep’s now iconic Miranda Priestly. A name so synonymous within both film and fashion that you’d be mistaken to think she was a real person. That is the power that The Devil Wears Prada holds.

The Devil Wears Prada, released in 2006, starred Meryl Streep as the titular “devil,” the head honcho at the fictional Runway Magazine as well as Anne Hathaway as her clueless assistant who grows to respect Miranda and the fashion industry as a result. The film, based on the novel of the same name, was a worldwide smash hit, inspiring many to try and make it in the world of fashion.

The Cerulean Speech, Groundbreaking Florals, and Other Iconic Moments

The film remains relevant and pertinent due to its unforgettable looks, iconic characters, and quotable script. Who could forget Miranda famously lambasting Andy about the shade of Cerulean? Or how florals for spring were... groundbreaking.

Beyond its aesthetic influence, The Devil Wears Prada left a lasting imprint on workplace culture and how audiences view power, mentorship, and sacrifice in creative industries. It sparked widespread conversations about the cost of success, especially for young professionals navigating high-pressure environments where prestige and personal well-being often collide.

The film explored the “boss from hell” archetype, making Miranda Priestly a benchmark for complex female authority rather than a one-dimensional villain. In terms of the fashion industry, it elevated the behind-the-scenes office workplace into something more aspirational, redefining the portrayal of stylists, editors, and assistants. Over 20 years on, it continues to be referenced in discussions about work-life balance, ambition, and the line between passion and exploitation.

The Best Part of The Devil Wears Prada Is the Fashion

Let’s get into the best part of the film: the fashion! Workplace and relationship politics aside, The Devil Wears Prada is a film about fashion. The industry, the designers, the clothing, the bags. And oh, were the bags magnificent. We can thank Patricia Field, the costume designer for the film, who sourced and styled all the iconic looks and fashion seen throughout the film.

In preparation for the upcoming sequel, with the original cast returning and costuming being taken over by Molly Rogers, let’s explore iconic styles from WGACA’s own archive of vintage pieces that will make you feel like you’re in the Runway office with Miranda herself.

Bags We Hope to See in the Sequel