Anne Hathaway Reveals Unplanned 'Devil Wears Prada' Moment with Anna Wintour

by : John Lasseter
Anne Hathaway shares the intriguing backstory behind a viral fashion moment where she was photographed next to Anna Wintour, looking strikingly similar to her character from 'The Devil Wears Prada', a film deeply inspired by Wintour herself.

A Serendipitous Style Moment That Echoed a Cinematic Classic

The Unforeseen Fashion Homage at New York Fashion Week

In September 2022, actress Anne Hathaway found herself in an unexpected viral sensation when she attended a Michael Kors runway show during New York Fashion Week. Seated alongside Anna Wintour, the esteemed editor-in-chief of Vogue and the real-world muse for Miranda Priestly in 'The Devil Wears Prada,' Hathaway's attire bore a striking resemblance to an iconic outfit worn by her character, Andy Sachs, at the conclusion of the original film. This seemingly orchestrated moment, widely celebrated by fans, was, according to Hathaway, a complete accident.

The Genesis of an Accidental Fashion Statement

Hathaway clarified that her ensemble – a brown leather jacket paired with a black turtleneck – was not intentionally chosen to reference her beloved character. She had initially planned to wear a different, more vibrant outfit, but a last-minute shoe mishap led her to select the alternative. Having recently cut her bangs and styled her hair in a ponytail, she saw her reflection and mused about the resemblance to Andy Sachs, wondering if anyone else would notice. The irony was not lost on her when she realized she was placed directly next to Wintour, sparking widespread media attention and rekindling discussions about the much-anticipated sequel.

Director's Perspective on Wintour's Surprising Humor and On-Set Visit

Director David Frankel corroborated the serendipitous nature of Hathaway's fashion moment, describing it as "kismet" for the sequel's impending release. Hathaway also lauded Wintour's underappreciated sense of humor, revealing that Wintour even filmed a cameo for the sequel. However, Frankel explained that the scene was ultimately cut due to Wintour missing her cue and appearing out of focus. He also recounted a humorous, albeit initially awkward, past encounter with Wintour following the first film's release, where she seemingly rebuffed his attempt to introduce himself, highlighting the once-formidable barrier between the fashion world and the film's creators. Over the past two decades, this dynamic has clearly softened, with cast members now enjoying friendly relationships with Wintour and Vogue's collaboration on the new project.

The Enduring Legacy and Anticipated Return of a Modern Classic

The original 'Devil Wears Prada,' released nearly two decades ago, garnered two Academy Award nominations, grossed an impressive $327 million, and solidified its status as a modern feminist classic. The upcoming sequel, set to premiere on May 1st, promises to build on this legacy. This renewed engagement with the film's themes and characters, fueled by unexpected real-life parallels and the cast's enthusiasm, underscores its lasting cultural impact.