collaboration with swanility: insight into devil wears prada
Insight into Devil Wears Prada
The movie holds a special place in my heart and it has inspired so many to go into the world of fashion. Young children from all different walks of life have had this movie, or the magazine their aunt had accidentally left at their home, be a pivotal moment in opening them to the world of fashion.
What’s so important about the movie is that it doesn’t just glorify fashion but also shows its flaws , such as the lack of inclusivity. Across the board it was seemingly shown that media, fashion trends and the new world of celebrity culture prompted individuals to be skinny, such as a pro skinny movement. The topic is touched on many times throughout the film , the story line of Emily and her cubes of cheese, the conversation Nigel and Andy have where apparently 6 is the new 14, are just two of the cases that leave the watchers of today baffled. The outlook on the ideal weight at this time is harrowing, it affected the industry and more importantly people that apotheosized the models and celebrities. It made a huge impact and disorientated society’s perception of body image, an it still has it effects to this day
Given that the film was released in 2006 it’s nearly been a two decades since its debut, so a lot has changed in terms of the fashion industry. Old products have been replaced by new , trends have been replaced over and over again with new, favoured designers have changed, new rules have been introduced and so much more! It tackles Andrea (Andy) finding herself, the fashion industry, bustling New York, a demanding boss with a hidden sensitive side, and just about everything else to keep you clutching your favourite heels and eyes unwavering the screen. Oh and did I forget to mention the really unsupportive boyfriend ? She had her faults too of course, no one would watch it if she was 100% perfect, but this man was horribly insensitive to the fact that she was just starting out in her journalism career! People have been debating since the movie came out who the villain is. Miranda Priestly? Andy’s friends? The fashion industry? Andy’s boyfriend? Is it just a metaphor for real life? Honestly, nobody knows. Which is probably another factor of why the story has been a novel, a movie, and recently a musical!
" Everyone wants to be us" is one of Miranda Priestly's most famous quotes. In just five words it tells us so much about her outlook on life and that she well and truly understands that she is in a position of power that others can only dream of. Her character has what’s known as a ‘Drive (D) style’. She is a leader, driven, demanding, and results-oriented even if it accosts her personal life. We only see the sensitive side to her story near the end, Andy pities this woman even though she’s been treated horribly, and then it ends with Miranda looking as sophisticated as ever before looking across to Andy and without revealing her emotions gets in the car. As if they were strangers and Paris didn’t happen. As if Andy was a stranger she took hold of her sunglasses and elegantly placed herself into the black car. And what does Andy do? Smile. A few seconds later we see Miranda looking down and smiling to herself. In The Devil Wears Prada, it’s established that it’s common to hate or fear Miranda because of her merciless and forceful nature. She was aggressive and would not listen to reason, nor make small talk. With all this said Andy found the best in her boss, and undoubtedly changed her for the better even if it didn’t show in Miranda’s actions.
Andrea’s character development is amazing. When we first get to know her she’s extremely awkward, undeniably ambitious, smart and modest. She knows nothing about fashion and this assistant job is leaving her entirely over her head. Eventually she gets help from Nigel,who plays a very important role in Andy changing her attitude towards her job as he informs her that she wasn’t doing everything she could do and that fashion magazines are the same as any other ‘real’ magazine. Together they go to the company salon and scour the clothing racks, the bags, the shoes, the makeup to give Andrea a fashionable look. Through all the chaos Andy learns how to stand up for herself and make her mark, she discovers about the sacrifices that have to be made in life, she learns that not everything is how it seems and from the start she’s actively working for her dream. This is a female lead who is passionate and strives towards her goals because she knows she will make it, and in the end she does! She knew RUNWAY was just a stepping stone towards her goals, and even when she was demoralised, hurt, thinking of leaving RUNWAY she stayed so she could make important connections and have the future she always knew she could have.
The Devil wears Prada compiles a romanticisation of New York, the Fashion Industry, Paris, celebrities and instead of the traditional fantasy only being displayed we discover an incredible insight into an inspirational story. It’s remarkable how so much happened with its emotion , the iconic references and the millions of ways you can interpret the storylines. Devil Wears Prada highlights factors that a multitude relate with, the horrible boss, demanding job, the happiness of finally reaching your goals. Making the movie perfect to sit back and relax at home whilst feeling like a piece of your emotions are on the screen!
written by: bailie-rae Owens, founder of swanility xxx
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