Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep turn ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ premiere into a power duel dressed in red

The New York premiere of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ places Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep at the centre of the conversation with coordinated red looks.

Fashion and cinema collided once again at one of the most anticipated events of the season. The New York premiere of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ brought the industry together at Lincoln Center, where tributes to the film’s universe were evident across the red carpet. Yet beyond the direct references to the original movie, it was Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep who set the tone of the evening with a clear aesthetic strategy: coordination as a statement of power.

While many guests leaned into overt nods to the characters — from reinterpretations of Miranda Priestly to iconic details from Andrea Sachs’ wardrobe — the two leads opted for a more refined approach. Both chose red as their unifying thread, constructing a visual narrative that directly connects with the DNA of the franchise.

Anne Hathaway arrived in a custom ruby-red silk dress by Louis Vuitton. The piece stood out for its defined structure, featuring a bustier bodice that opened into a controlled flared skirt. Styled by Erin Walsh, the look was enhanced with matching platform sandals and completed with diamond and ruby jewellery by Bulgari. The result was a look that balanced precision and drama without excess.

Meanwhile, Meryl Streep delivered an equally powerful interpretation of colour. The actress wore a flowing scarlet leather cape dress by Givenchy under the creative direction of Sarah Burton. The silhouette, defined by its enveloping drape and knotted neckline, immediately evoked the authoritative aesthetic of Miranda Priestly. Styled by Micaela Erlanger, the look was finished with black leather opera gloves and pointed boots, adding a more structured dimension. Oversized sunglasses and diamond earrings brought a polished, sophisticated edge that reinforced the character’s presence.

This coordination is not an isolated gesture, but part of a broader strategy throughout the film’s press tour. Across cities including Mexico City, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai, both Hathaway and Streep have built a visual narrative that continuously dialogues with the original film. From references to the iconic “cerulean” speech to reinterpretations of the original poster, each appearance has functioned as an extension of the film’s universe.

In New York, that narrative intensifies through colour. The contrast between red and black not only connects to the film’s visual identity, but also fuels one of the most discussed fan theories: that both Miranda and Andrea represent two versions of the same archetype within the workplace. A symbolic layer that has already been hinted at in the film’s trailers, particularly through elements like sunglasses worn indoors — a gesture of quiet power.

Beyond interpretation, what becomes clear is the absolute control both actresses hold over their visual narrative. In a landscape where every public appearance becomes global content, Hathaway and Streep prove that fashion remains a powerful storytelling tool.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ is set to release on 1 May, following its final stop in London. Until then, every appearance will continue to fuel conversation. And in this intersection between cinema and fashion, the wardrobe has already begun to tell the story.