Twenty years after its initial release, the sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada' held its world premiere at Lincoln Center in New York on Tuesday evening. The principal cast, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, returned to celebrate the continuation of a story that has become a fixture in queer film culture.
The event drew a crowd of approximately 1,000 guests, with a significant presence of fans and photographers gathered outside. The film's director, David Frankel, addressed the audience with a touch of humour, remarking, "Thank you for coming to our family-and-friends screening of this indie film," before admitting, "It's completely surreal; I never thought a sequel was possible."
Red Carpet Choices and a Notable Absence
On the red carpet, the cast's fashion choices drew attention. Meryl Streep appeared in a red cape dress by Givenchy, Anne Hathaway also chose red with a Louis Vuitton design, and Emily Blunt wore a gold Schiaparelli gown. Stanley Tucci opted for a classic Armani suit. In a detail not lost on observers, none of the main cast members wore an ensemble from Prada, the brand central to the film's title.
A Direct Acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ Community
In interviews connected to the premiere, both Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway spoke directly about the role the LGBTQ+ community has played in the film's enduring success. Their comments moved beyond typical press-tour pleasantries to offer specific credit for the film's longevity.
"Without the LGBTQ+ community, there would be no fashion," Streep stated, linking the film's subject matter to its audience. Hathaway elaborated on this, noting that the community's sustained engagement was a primary driver behind the sequel's existence. She said the community "kept the film alive" and turned it into an "event," suggesting that its cult status was actively cultivated by its queer fanbase over the past two decades.
An Exuberant Reception
Inside the theatre, the atmosphere was described as exuberant. The screening was punctuated by enthusiastic reactions, particularly for Streep's reprisal of the formidable editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. The evening also featured a musical performance by Lady Gaga and rapper Doechii, who collaborated on the soundtrack's lead song, "Runway."
Following the screening, guests attended an after-party with a runway-themed decor. The guest list included figures from the fashion and entertainment worlds, such as Anna Wintour, Heidi Klum, and Winnie Harlow. For a film that has resonated so deeply within the gay community, the sequel arrives with high expectations to see if it can capture the same blend of humour, heart, and sharp commentary that defined the original.
