The iconic duo reflects on their careers, personal lives, and the upcoming sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada.'
Category: Arts & Culture
Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour, two titans of their respective fields, graced the cover of Vogue in a stunning photoshoot ahead of the much-anticipated release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on May 1, 2026. The cover story, published on April 7, 2026, features the pair discussing a wide range of topics, including fashion, power dynamics, and their personal lives, all moderated by filmmaker Greta Gerwig.
In the photoshoot, captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, Streep donned a pair of Prada sunglasses and a Cartier watch, complementing Wintour, who wore chic Manolo Blahnik shoes and Chanel sunglasses. The fashion editor for the shoot, Grace Coddington, contributed to the pair's impeccable looks, with Wintour styled by Bobby Michael and Streep by Donald S. McInnes.
The conversation opened with Gerwig posing a thought-provoking question about how fashion communicates power, particularly for women, who often face a more complex set of expectations than men. Wintour, who was editor-in-chief of American Vogue from 1988 to 2025, shared her thoughts on the subject, saying, "I don’t think wearing a power suit to the office is in any way necessary." She cited Michelle Obama and New York’s first lady, Rama Duwaji, as examples of women who express their individuality through fashion, emphasizing that they remain true to themselves regardless of their attire.
Streep chimed in, referencing the controversial jacket worn by Melania Trump that read, "I Really Don’t Care, Do U?" during a visit to a migrant children’s shelter. "All dress is about expressing yourself, but we’re also subject to larger historical and political sweeps of expectation," she noted, highlighting the nuances of how women are often expected to present themselves in public.
As the discussion flowed, Streep and Wintour reminisced about their respective careers and the influence of their roles. Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, in the original The Devil Wears Prada, is loosely based on Wintour. Wintour expressed her admiration for Streep’s portrayal, stating, "First of all, I’d like to say it’s such an honor to be played by Meryl, ... Who wouldn’t think that that wasn’t the most extraordinary gift?" This sentiment reflects the mutual respect and admiration that both women have for each other.
Gerwig, who is also directing Streep in a Netflix adaptation of Narnia, guided the conversation into personal territory, asking how they balance their demanding careers with family life. Streep, who has six grandchildren, shared her joy in being a grandmother, saying, "It’s just grabbing seconds, just grabbing everything you can of them, with the knowledge of how completely fleeting it all is." Wintour echoed this sentiment, noting her own four grandchildren and the importance of family traditions, particularly during gatherings at their family compound on Long Island.
The topic of aging and its advantages came up, with both women embracing their 76 years of life. Wintour remarked, "I like my age. I feel as alive, excited, and aware as ever." Streep added, "The thing that’s fun about this character is that I was using my role models, different people that I know, and most of them are men. So that gave me some freedom too." This reflection on their careers emphasizes the wisdom and perspective that comes with age.
As the conversation moved back to the film, Wintour expressed her initial uncertainty about the sequel, recalling, "When I heard rumors that this new film might be happening, I called Meryl to ask if it was true. I knew she would tell me if it was going to be all right." Streep reassured her, saying, "Anna, I think it’s going to be all right," a statement that solidified the trust between the two icons.
Streep and Wintour also discussed the evolution of fashion and its increasing accessibility. Wintour noted how fashion has shifted from being seen as elitist to a more democratic force in culture. "Today fashion is so much more democratic, and its influence is enormous," she stated, pointing to collaborations between major brands and renowned designers as evidence of this shift.
Gerwig, who moderated the discussion, mentioned how Streep commands attention on set, noting, "I can definitely say that from being on set with Meryl, everybody sits up a little straighter when you’re there." Streep humbly dismissed the compliment, but it highlights the respect she commands in the industry.
In a lighter moment, the trio discussed the challenges of dressing for their roles. Streep recalled how difficult it was to find clothes for Miranda Priestly in the first film, saying, "Well, everybody was afraid of Anna on the first one, so we couldn’t find any clothes." This time around, they aimed to simplify Miranda’s wardrobe, making her style more authentic to her character.
As the interview drew to a close, both women expressed excitement for the upcoming film, with Wintour stating, "Let’s hope it’s a happy ending," and Streep confirming, "Yes, it’s a happy ending. Or not happy, exactly. But it’s real and it’s triumphant." Their reflections on both personal and professional lives paint a picture of two women who have not only shaped their industries but continue to evolve with them.
With The Devil Wears Prada 2 set to hit theaters soon, fans can look forward to seeing how Streep’s Miranda Priestly navigates a changing world, alongside the enduring influence of Wintour’s real-life legacy in fashion.