Fashion in Film: The Devil Wears Prada

College grad Andy (Anne Hathaway) is looking for a way to get into journalism when she lands a job as the junior assistant to the editor of Runway Magazine, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy initially struggles to fit into the cutthroat fashion industry, suffering the disdain of coworkers and her tyrannical boss. Sharply funny, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has rightfully become a modern classic, anchored by Streep’s performance as the eponymous domineering she-devil.

About the Fashion: Previously known for her costume design for Sex and the City, Patricia Field used her relationship with multiple fashion houses to dress the cast, from the formidable Streep, at the top of the industry, to Hathaway’s character, struggling to fit into a new world. Field specifically avoided copying the look of fashion media mogul Anna Wintour, who is widely seen as the inspiration for Miranda Priestly. Instead, she created a singular style for Streep’s character, consulting the archives of Donna Karan and avoiding then-prevalent trends in the industry in order to create a more timeless look for the character. While Hathaway’s Andy is most closely associated with Chanel, no one character in the film is limited to one label. Field also worked with Prada, Valentino Garavani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein to maintain a level of glamor and excess, especially during the montages. Field’s work on the film yielded her an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.

Costume Designers: Patricia Field