The Return of the Cerulean Sweater in "The Devil Wears Prada 2"

by : Roger Ebert

The eagerly awaited sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada" brings back a beloved fashion staple, the cerulean sweater, much to the delight of fans. This iconic garment, which sparked countless memes since the original film's release, reappears with a fresh twist, thanks to the creative input of its lead actress, Anne Hathaway, and the keen eye of costume designer Molly Rogers. Director David Frankel sheds light on the collaborative effort that ensured this memorable color and its associated style moments were prominently featured, yet subtly reimagined, throughout the new movie. The film cleverly weaves in nostalgic elements while advancing the narrative, providing both a tribute to its predecessor and a fresh take on its beloved characters.

The return of the cerulean theme in "The Devil Wears Prada 2" is a central point of discussion, with its evolution reflecting Andy Sachs' journey. From subtle appearances in her apartment's decor to a striking dress worn to a high-profile party, the color cerulean is integrated seamlessly before its grand reintroduction in the form of a restyled vest. This reimagining not only honors the original's legacy but also symbolizes Andy's growth and solidified position within the fashion world. The creative process behind this revival, involving detailed discussions and hands-on adjustments by Hathaway herself, underscores a dedication to both continuity and innovation, ensuring that the cerulean moment resonates deeply with the audience.

The Cerulean Sweater's Iconic Return

The iconic cerulean sweater, a fashion touchstone from the original film, makes a much-anticipated return in "The Devil Wears Prada 2." This time, it's reimagined through the collaborative efforts of director David Frankel, actress Anne Hathaway, and costume designer Molly Rogers. Hathaway, reprising her role as Andy Sachs, actively contributed to the sweater's new look, transforming it into a chic vest for the sequel's climactic moments. This deliberate nod to the past, while embracing a fresh silhouette, ensures that the legendary hue continues to play a significant part in Andy's narrative, symbolizing her evolving confidence and status within the demanding world of fashion journalism. The decision to bring back this specific item was carefully considered to evoke nostalgia while also propelling the story forward with a new stylistic statement.

Director David Frankel revealed that the cerulean sweater appearing in the sequel is an exact duplicate of the original garment, even from the same brand, specifically chosen to maintain authenticity. However, Anne Hathaway herself initiated the idea to modify it, creatively cutting off the sleeves to transform it into the vest seen in the film's closing scene. This personal touch highlights Hathaway's deep connection to her character and her commitment to evolving Andy's style. Beyond the final vest, the cerulean theme is subtly woven into earlier parts of the movie, appearing in Andy's apartment decor and a Paco Rabanne dress she wears, signaling its pervasive influence. This careful integration serves as a continuous homage, reinforcing the color's significance as Andy solidifies her position at Runway as a full-time editor.

Nods to the Original: A Blend of Nostalgia and Evolution

"The Devil Wears Prada 2" expertly balances nostalgia with the progression of its characters and plot, featuring subtle callbacks to the original film that delight long-time fans. The most notable of these is the reintroduction of the cerulean theme, which, alongside its direct appearance, is referenced in a fleeting yet poignant opening scene. As Andy Sachs navigates New York City, she encounters a street vendor in a sequence that mirrors the original film's famous cerulean sweater monologue. This clever incorporation of past moments, without overt imitation, allows the sequel to honor its roots while forging its own path, offering viewers a mix of familiar charm and fresh developments in Andy's life and career. The film ensures that while some elements are revisited, they are always presented within a new context, showing growth rather than simple repetition.

A particularly charming moment in the sequel's opening sequence provides a subtle wink to the audience, echoing the original film's profound discussion about the color cerulean. As Andy walks through Central Park, she passes a street vendor selling belts, who holds up two accessories for a customer—a scene directly paralleling the first movie's iconic moment where Jocelyn presents belts to Miranda Priestly. Andy's brief wince upon seeing this detail serves as a quiet acknowledgment of her past and her journey through the fashion world. Director Frankel intentionally kept overt references minimal, opting not to bring back the iconic Chanel boots, for example, which Andy reveals in a conversation that she had given away years ago. This selective use of callbacks ensures that the film respects its heritage while focusing on Andy's current achievements and future trajectory, making each nostalgic element feel earned and meaningful.