The Devil Wears Prada Celebrates 20 Years as a Fashion Industry Classic

The 2006 film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway remains a cultural touchstone for its sharp portrayal of the fashion world.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast fashion textures in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and style of the iconic film 'The Devil Wears Prada'.Two decades after its release, the enduring glamour and style of 'The Devil Wears Prada' continues to captivate audiences.NYC Today

On April 17, 2026, the entertainment world marked the 20th anniversary of the premiere of 'The Devil Wears Prada,' the 2006 film that became a cultural touchstone for its sharp portrayal of the fashion industry and standout performances by Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The film, directed by David Frankel and based on Lauren Weisberger's novel, opened in New York on June 30, 2006, and quickly gained acclaim for its blend of wit, style, and emotional depth.

Why it matters

The enduring legacy of 'The Devil Wears Prada' lies in its ability to transcend its genre, offering a story that is as much about personal integrity and growth as it is about fashion. Its continued relevance speaks to the universality of its themes and the strength of its performances, particularly Streep's turn as one of modern cinema's most memorable antagonists-turned-antiheroes.

The details

Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine, was widely praised for its nuanced balance of intimidation and vulnerability. Streep has since revealed that the character was inspired in part by real-life figures in the publishing world, including Anna Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue. Anne Hathaway, who played the ambitious but naive assistant Andy Sachs, recalled the challenges of filming alongside Streep, particularly during scenes requiring intense emotional exchanges. Behind the scenes, the film's costume designer, Patricia Field, faced significant hurdles in sourcing appropriate wardrobe for Streep's character, as designers were initially hesitant to lend pieces, fearing the film might satirize the industry too sharply.

  • The Devil Wears Prada premiered in New York on June 30, 2006.
  • The film marked its 20th anniversary on April 17, 2026.

The players

Meryl Streep

An acclaimed actress who portrayed the formidable editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, a character inspired in part by real-life fashion industry figures like Anna Wintour.

Anne Hathaway

The actress who played the ambitious but naive assistant Andy Sachs, whose performance alongside Streep helped elevate the entire cast.

David Frankel

The director of The Devil Wears Prada, which was based on Lauren Weisberger's novel.

Patricia Field

The costume designer for The Devil Wears Prada, who faced challenges in sourcing appropriate wardrobe for Streep's character.

Anna Wintour

The longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, whose presence and influence was a reference point for Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I based Miranda on several women I've known in the industry, but Anna's presence — her decisiveness, her clarity of vision — was certainly a reference point.”

— Meryl Streep, Actress

“Anne Hathaway recalled the challenges of filming alongside Streep, particularly during scenes requiring intense emotional exchanges.”

— Anne Hathaway, Actress

What’s next

As of April 2026, no official sequel or reboot has been announced, though both Streep and Hathaway have expressed openness to revisiting the characters under the right circumstances.

The takeaway

The enduring legacy of 'The Devil Wears Prada' lies in its ability to transcend its genre, offering a story that is as much about personal integrity and growth as it is about fashion. Its continued relevance speaks to the universality of its themes and the strength of its performances, particularly Streep's turn as one of modern cinema's most memorable antagonists-turned-antiheroes.